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The Washington Redskins (now the Washington Commanders) during the Dan Snyder era (1999–2023) were defined by controversy, mismanagement, and underachievement despite being one of the NFL’s most valuable franchises. Here’s a breakdown of the era:

1. Ownership and Leadership Issues

• Dan Snyder purchased the team in 1999 for $800 million but quickly developed a reputation for meddling in football operations, making poor decisions on coaching hires, and overspending on free agents.
• Frequent coaching changes (10 head coaches in 24 years) created instability, including the likes of Steve Spurrier, Joe Gibbs (2nd stint), Jim Zorn, Mike Shanahan, Jay Gruden, and Ron Rivera.

2. On-Field Performance

• Overall record (1999–2023): 164–220–2 (.427 winning percentage).
• Playoff appearances: Only 6 times (1999, 2005, 2007, 2012, 2015, 2020), with two playoff wins.
• The team never advanced past the Divisional Round during Snyder’s tenure.

3. Failed Free Agency Strategy

• Snyder became infamous for overspending on aging or overrated free agents, including:
  • Deion Sanders (2000) – Played only one season after signing 7 year deal.
  • Bruce Smith (2000) – Chased the sack record but past his prime.
  • Jeff George (2000) – Benched after two games.
  • Adam Archuleta (2006) – One of the worst free-agent signings in team history.
  • Albert Haynesworth (2009) – $100 million contract, but clashed with coaches and was benched.
  • Josh Norman (2016) – $75 million contract, under performed and ended up benched.

4. The Quarterback Carousel

• The team struggled to find a franchise QB, with over 30 different starters under Snyder:
  • Draft busts: Patrick Ramsey, Jason Campbell, Dwayne Haskins (RIP).
  • Injuries & bad luck: Robert Griffin III (RG3) had a spectacular 2012 season but was mishandled, leading to a career-altering knee injury.
  • Short-term veterans: Mark Brunell, Donovan McNabb, Alex Smith, Carson Wentz, etc.

5. Controversies & Scandals

• Toxic Workplace Culture: Multiple investigations uncovered widespread sexual harassment, a toxic work environment, and financial misconduct under Snyder’s leadership.
• Name Change Drama: After years of criticism, the team finally dropped the “Redskins” name in 2020, becoming the Washington Football Team (2020–2021) and later the Commanders (2022).
• Congressional Investigation (2022): The U.S. House of Representatives investigated the team’s workplace culture, ultimately leading to increased pressure for Snyder to sell the franchise.

6. The End of the Snyder Era

• Ownership Sale (2023): Snyder finally sold the team to Josh Harris and a group including Magic Johnson for $6.05 billion, marking the end of one of the most dysfunctional ownerships in NFL history. Dan Snyder attempted to obstruct the sale of the Washington Commanders to Josh Harris at the last moment. Despite agreeing to the sale, Snyder reportedly “never wanted to sell” and tried to derail the deal by refusing to provide his banking information, which was necessary for the transaction to proceed. sportingnews.com This refusal prevented Harris from wiring the funds, effectively stalling the sale. It took interventions from various executives and confidants, including his wife, Tanya Snyder, and Hall of Fame coach Joe Gibbs, to persuade Snyder to complete the transaction. Eventually, Snyder relented, and the sale was finalized. theguardian.com

Post Snyder

Since Dan Snyder sold the Washington Commanders to Josh Harris in July 2023, the franchise has experienced a remarkable transformation both on and off the field.

Under new ownership, the Commanders made strategic changes that led to significant improvements:

• Coaching and Management: The team hired Adam Peters as general manager and former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn. This leadership overhaul brought a fresh perspective to the organization.
• Player Acquisitions: The Commanders signed around 30 free agents and selected 2023 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels as the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Daniels’ outstanding performance earned him the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
• Season Success: The team achieved a 12-5 record in the 2024 season, won a playoff game for the first time since 2005, and reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time since 1991.

In summary, the sale of the Commanders to Josh Harris has ushered in a new era of success, marked by strategic leadership changes, significant on-field achievements, improved workplace culture, and ongoing investments in team infrastructure.