Saban loses defensive coordinater
Gibbs leaves LSU’s staff for Dallas Cowboys job
Losing defensive coordinators is becoming an annual event for the Nick Saban and the LSU football program.
Gary Gibbs, defensive coordinator for the Tigers during the 2001 season, has accepted a coaching position with the Dallas Cowboys, Saban announced Wednesday afternoon.
The departure of Gibbs marks the fourth defensive coordinator to leave the Tigers in the last three seasons behind Lou Tepper, John Thompson and Phil Elmassian.
Gibbs, who replaced Elmassian as LSU defensive coordinator Jan. 9, 2001, will coach linebackers for Dallas.
“I feel very privileged to have coached at LSU, and I’m very proud to have been a part of the SEC Championship as well as the Sugar Bowl win over Illinois,” Gibbs said. “I will certainly  miss the players, who have been great to work with, all of the coaches and the great LSU fans who make this a special place. The opportunity in Dallas is one in which I didn’t feel I could pass up. I will certainly take a lot of great memories of LSU with me.”
The LSU defense shut out Mississippi State 42-0 in Starkville, Miss., last year under Gibbs. They also limited Tennessee to 20 points and only 50 yards rushing in the Tigers’ win in the Southeastern Conference Championship.
Gibbs came to LSU after serving as defensive coordinator in 2000 at the University of Georgia. While at UGA, Gibbs led the Bulldogs to the 19th ranked defense in the nation.
He also served as head coach at the University of Oklahoma from 1989 1994 where he had a combined record of 44-23-2. Gibbs coached the Sooners to victories in the 1991 Gator Bowl and 1993 John Hancock bowl.
Gibbs also served as defensive coordinator for the Sooners during their 1985 national championship season.
“I want to thank coach Saban for the opportunity he gave me to be a part of his staff and to coach at LSU,” Gibbs said. “Coach Saban is committed to excellence, and he’s certainly building something very special here at LSU.”
Saban said the Dallas job marks a great opportunity for Gibbs and his family.
“To get the opportunity to coach in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys is great for Gary and his family,” Saban said. “He did an outstanding job during his stay at LSU, and we wish him a great deal of success with the Cowboys.”
Graham Thomas