A former head coach for the Washington Commanders franchise offered up a hilarious story on why Daniel Snyder’s time as owner was an absolute mess.
On Thursday, Daniel Snyder’s infamous time as the owner of the Washington Commanders came to an end. It was a moment that long-time fans of the team had been hoping to see for many years. And it is understandable because, despite so much promise after he purchased the team in 1999, the organization has been a source of humor and outrage for nearly 25 years.
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While it was an ugly scandal that involved serious workplace misconduct that brought his tenure as an NFL owner to an end, Snyder built an extensive resume as the leader of a team that made many questionable decisions. From coaching and executive hires, to roster moves, the franchise seemed to make every poor decision in the football book.
Decision-making skills of former Washington Commanders boss called ‘assinine’ by Jay Gruden
During a recent appearance on the “Kevin Sheehan Podcast,” former head coach of the then-Washington Redskins, Jay Gruden, offered up a pretty hilarious piece of insight into how frustrating it could be to have Snyder as boss.
“He wasn’t experienced enough in the business to make those decisions. He didn’t put in the work. 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.”
– Jay Gruden
If you are wondering if other NFL owners operating like Snyder is common, well it seems it isn’t. Gruden served as offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals before getting his role with the Washington Commanders franchise. During that time he saw what a dedicated owner looks like in Mike Brown.
“When I was with the Cincinnati Bengals, [Mike Brown] sat in meetings, watched the film, put in the work. When he made a decision, it was based upon what he saw, what he took in from the coaches and from the scouts. So I respected that. I don’t respect the guy that doesn’t watch the film and comes in, makes the pick, and tells you who he is signing in free agency.
“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.” So, I think it is going to be a very beneficial move for all of the fans and for the organization moving forward.”
– Jay Gruden
A consortium led by Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils co-owner Josh Harris will now lead the Washington Commanders organization going forward.