Gibbs is a former NFL coach, NASCAR Championship team owner, and two time NHRA team owner. He was the 20th and 26th head coach in the history of the Washington Redskins (1981–1992, 2004–2007). During his first stint in the National Football League, he coached the Redskins for 12 seasons and led them to eight playoff appearances, four NFC Championship titles, and three Super Bowl titles.

After retiring at the end of the 1992 season, he switched focus to his NASCAR team, Joe Gibbs Racing, which has won several championships under his ownership. On January 7, 2004, Gibbs came out of retirement to rejoin the Redskins as head coach and team president. He as since remained with the organization as a special advisor.