The Washington Commanders have now bid farewell to Dan Snyder’s tumultuous 24-year reign as the team’s owner. NFL owners have given the green light for the team’s sale to a group spearheaded by Josh Harris, owner of the NHL’s New Jersey Devils and the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers. With Snyder’s exit, a glimmer of hope emerges for the Commanders, and former head coach Jay Gruden is among those optimistic about the franchise’s future.
In an insightful interview on “The Kevin Sheehan Show,” Jay Gruden candidly opened up about Snyder’s management style, which often had a negative impact on the team’s success. Gruden wasted no time expressing his belief that the new ownership will usher in positive changes for the organization. According to him, the most significant issue during Snyder’s tenure was the owner’s overwhelming involvement in personnel decisions despite his lack of expertise in the field.
Gruden eloquently stated, “I think moving forward with a new owner will be very beneficial for this organization. I just think Dan made it too much about himself, as far as trying to put his stamp on the team by picking the players and coaches.”
The former head coach minced no words when he addressed Snyder’s approach to decision-making. Gruden pointed out that Snyder lacked the experience and dedication necessary to make informed choices. “He wasn’t experienced enough in the business to make those decisions. He didn’t put in the work,” Gruden lamented.
To make matters worse, Snyder would occasionally make personnel choices without thoroughly studying the players or attending crucial meetings. “For him to pick a player in the draft is asinine. He didn’t put the work in. He didn’t watch the players. He didn’t go to the meetings. He didn’t go to the scouts’ meetings,” Gruden emphasized.
Gruden’s frustration stemmed from the fact that he and his team of scouts dedicated countless hours to studying film and evaluating potential players, only to have Snyder swoop in and make decisions without a proper understanding of the team’s needs.
“It makes no sense when we and the scouts are doing all of the film work, and all of a sudden, he comes in and makes the pick,” Gruden expressed with a hint of exasperation. The lack of collaboration and synergy between Snyder and the coaching staff proved detrimental to the Commanders’ success on the field.
On the contrary, Gruden praised owners like Mike Brown of the Cincinnati Bengals, who actively participated in the scouting process and exhibited a genuine interest in the team’s progress. This hands-on approach allowed for more effective decision-making and fostered a stronger bond between the coaching staff and management.
Throughout his tenure, Gruden strived to lead the Commanders to victory, and while there were some highlights, including an unexpected NFC East division title in 2015, the team’s overall performance fell short of expectations. A lack of consistent success and a disappointing 0-5 start in the 2019 season led to Gruden’s departure as the head coach, with Bill Callahan taking over as the interim.
As the Commanders welcome a new era under the ownership of Josh Harris, fans and players alike can now look forward to a fresh start, free from the divisive influence of an owner whose football decisions were often at odds with the team’s aspirations.
In conclusion, Jay Gruden’s revelations offer valuable insights into the struggles faced by the Washington Commanders during Dan Snyder’s tenure. With the transition to new ownership, hopes are high for a more collaborative and successful future, where football decisions are made with a keen eye for the game and the team’s best interests at heart. As the Commanders aim to rise from their turbulent past, the next chapter in their history promises to be one of transformation and growth.
