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Video: Joe Gibbs discusses how his team handled Carl Edwards’ surprise departure

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Joe Gibbs, former NFL coach and owner of JGR, discusses the decision for one of his star drivers in Carl Edwards to step down. Gibbs said the decision is odd but is looking forward to Daniel Suarez's opportunity.

Carl Edwards’ two-year tenure at Joe Gibbs Racing ended Wednesday when he announced he was “stepping away” from the sport.

Dave Burns talked with team owner Joe Gibbs following the announcement about how his team approached the last month after Edwards notified Gibbs about his decision just before Christmas.

In order to not rush into the decision, Gibbs asked Edwards to take four days to think it over.

“Once we start down this road, we can’t turn back,” Gibbs said. “He did that and came back as strong as the first day.”

The next two weeks were “really hectic” for Gibbs, who debuted his team in 1992.

“I was visiting sponsors and kind of covering all the bases,” Gibbs said. “Thank goodness we have the greatest group of sponsors and we were able to work everything out.”

Burns also asked Gibbs if Edwards returns to racing if he would still be contractually obligated to drive for JGR.

“He and I have talked it over, so I think as a friends and everything we have an understanding if he ever comes back to racing,” Gibbs said.

Gibbs said the move to Daniel Suarez with sponsors was an “easy sell.”

“To his credit he goes overboard with sponsors and the relationship he has with them,” Gibbs said. “When you visit somebody and talk about the Hispanic market, it’s a huge deal for everybody in business.”