CONCORD, N.C. – Washington Redskins coach Joe Gibbs said he was surprised that Bill Parcells retired.
Gibbs, talking to reporters as part of NASCAR's Media Tour in North Carolina on Wednesday, said he hasn't spoken to Parcells since the coach made his announcement on Monday.
"I was surprised mainly because I think he's passionate about it, cares about it and enjoys the challenge of it," Gibbs said. "They were doing such a good job and I felt like he loves the competition part of it."
Gibbs said he didn't know if Terrell Owens played a big part in Parcells' decision to retire, but added that Parcells "could handle anything."
"I'd be willing to say that if you asked a bunch of those players, they would say this guy did a great job and related to them," Gibbs said.
Gibbs said he believes Parcells, who is 65, when he talked about not having the energy to be a coach for a full 12 months.
"You're on the phone every day," Gibbs said. "There's something emotional every day and big stuff that's going on. You've got to realize that it's different times for different folks. I was out for 11 years, so I probably got a bigger breath of fresh air and he keeps going back in."
Gibbs, 66, said he's committed to finishing his five-year contract in Washington, which he signed in January 2004. In his first three seasons since his return, Gibbs is 22-28, including one win in two playoff games.
Parcells had a 34-32 overall record in his four seasons with the Cowboys, including losses in two playoff games.
Gibbs said a few plays can decide a good or bad season in an NFC full of parity. He added that with the influx of younger coaches in the NFL, teams may not be as interested in the older guys as they once were.
"It's about results," Gibbs said. "I'm not doing much for the old guys. If we're going to get some more old guys a job, I better win a few games here."
Gibbs said he'll return to NASCAR full time once his coaching career is over.
He has three Nextel Cup championships (Bobby Labonte in 2000, and Tony Stewart in 2002 and 2005) to go along with his three Super Bowl rings.
