The-Hogs.net - Washington Football Discussion, Redskins to Commanders Era

ASHBURN, Va. -- Washington Redskins assistant coach Don Breaux retired Thursday because of a heart condition after 27 NFL seasons. He spent 17 seasons with Washington and was part of three Super Bowl championship teams.

Breaux is leaving just before the start of training camp, which opens Sunday. He worked for head coach Joe Gibbs as running backs coach from 1981-93, and as offensive coordinator from 2004-07.

Gibbs retired for a second time after last season and was replaced by Jim Zorn.

"It was a privilege to coach for one of the NFL's premier franchises for 17 years under an outstanding leader of men in Joe Gibbs," Breaux said.

He also worked for the New York Jets in 1994, and for the Carolina Panthers from 1995-02.

Breaux played three seasons in the AFL. After coaching in college, his first NFL coaching job was with the Houston Oilers in 1972.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

"I want to thank Don for his friendship and for all his contributions and commitment to the Redskins organization," owner Daniel M. Snyder said. "Don is a man of great integrity and a tremendous teacher, who played a pivotal role in the Redskins' three Super Bowl championships and our most recent two trips to the playoffs.

"I will miss Don at Redskins Park and extend my best wishes to him and his wife Harleen."