The name Dan Snyder has long been synonymous with the Washington Commanders, formerly known as the Washington Redskins. As the team’s owner for over two decades, Snyder’s tenure was marked by a mix of controversy, underwhelming performance, and unfulfilled potential. However, since Snyder sold the franchise in June 2023, the Commanders have undergone a remarkable transformation, achieving milestones that eluded them during his ownership. Recent reports suggest that Snyder is reportedly unhappy with the team’s newfound success, a sentiment that underscores the stark contrast between his time at the helm and the current trajectory of the franchise.
In June 2023, Dan Snyder sold the Washington Commanders to a group led by Josh Harris for a staggering $6.05 billion, marking the most expensive franchise sale in NFL history. This sale came on the heels of growing pressure from fans, the NFL, and sponsors, fueled by allegations of a toxic workplace culture, financial improprieties, and disappointing on-field performance. Snyder’s ownership, which began in 1999, was marred by a litany of controversies that overshadowed the team’s rich history and potential. The decision to sell the team was seen as a necessary step for the Commanders to move forward. Snyder’s departure was met with relief by fans who had long voiced their dissatisfaction with his leadership. Yet, the sale also marked the end of a significant chapter in the franchise’s history, one defined by dysfunction and underachievement.
During Dan Snyder’s 24-year tenure as owner, the Commanders became a symbol of missed opportunities. The team made only six playoff appearances under his leadership and failed to secure a single NFC Championship Game appearance. Their last playoff victory during his tenure came in 2005, a stark reminder of the team’s inability to compete consistently at the highest level. Off the field, the franchise faced serious allegations of fostering a highly unprofessional and toxic workplace environment, which became a focal point of an NFL investigation in 2021. The investigation culminated in a $10 million fine for the organization and widespread criticism of Snyder’s leadership style. Allegations of sexual harassment, financial mismanagement, and a lack of accountability painted a damning picture of the Commanders’ internal culture during his ownership. These controversies not only damaged the franchise’s reputation but also alienated fans and sponsors. Attendance at FedEx Field dwindled, and the Commanders struggled to attract and retain top talent, both on and off the field. For many, Snyder’s ownership became synonymous with the team’s decline, leaving a legacy that many fans were eager to leave behind.
The sale of the Commanders to Josh Harris and his ownership group marked a turning point for the franchise. Harris, who also owns the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, brought a fresh perspective and a commitment to revitalize the team. Under his leadership, the Commanders quickly began to shed the baggage of the Snyder era and embraced a new chapter of growth and success. The impact of this leadership change was almost immediate. In the 2024 NFL season, the Commanders posted a 12-5 record, their best performance in over a decade. This achievement was capped off with the team’s first playoff victory since 2005, a milestone that symbolized the franchise’s resurgence. The Commanders also advanced to the NFC Championship Game, their first appearance in the game since January 1992, signaling a return to relevance in the NFL. Harris’s approach emphasized accountability, transparency, and a focus on building a winning culture. From improving the team’s facilities to fostering a more inclusive and professional workplace environment, the new ownership demonstrated a commitment to long-term success both on and off the field. This transformation reinvigorated the fanbase, with attendance at FedEx Field surging and the Commanders reclaiming their status as a competitive force in the league.
Despite walking away with a multi-billion-dollar payday, recent reports suggest that Dan Snyder is “frustrated” and “unhappy” with the Commanders’ post-sale success. According to ESPN journalists Seth Wickersham and Don Van Natta Jr., Snyder expressed his displeasure during a private dinner in London, reportedly stating, “He f–king hates it.” This reaction highlights the psychological and emotional toll of witnessing the team thrive after his departure. For Snyder, the Commanders’ resurgence under new ownership serves as a reminder of what could have been during his tenure. It also reinforces the criticism that his leadership was the primary factor holding the franchise back from reaching its potential. Snyder’s reported frustration reflects the complexities of stepping away from a long-held position of power, particularly one as public and scrutinized as owning an NFL team. While he no longer has any formal ties to the Commanders, his legacy remains intertwined with the team’s history, and their current success serves as a stark contrast to the struggles of his era.
As the Commanders continue to build on their recent success, the focus remains on sustaining this momentum and cementing their place among the NFL’s elite teams. The new ownership’s commitment to fostering a positive culture and investing in the team’s infrastructure has created a strong foundation for future success. The Commanders’ turnaround has also reignited hope among fans, many of whom had grown disillusioned during the Snyder years. With a competitive roster, visionary leadership, and a renewed sense of purpose, the team is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the coming seasons. For Dan Snyder, the Commanders’ resurgence may serve as a bittersweet reminder of the opportunities missed during his tenure. While he remains a polarizing figure in the franchise’s history, the team’s current trajectory underscores the importance of leadership and culture in shaping an organization’s success.
The story of Dan Snyder and the Washington Commanders is a tale of contrasting eras. Snyder’s tenure as owner was defined by controversy, mediocrity, and missed opportunities, leaving a legacy that many fans were eager to move past. In contrast, the team’s recent success under Josh Harris’s ownership highlights the transformative power of effective leadership and a commitment to excellence. While Snyder’s reported frustration with the team’s success may reflect his lingering emotional ties to the franchise, the Commanders’ resurgence is a testament to the potential that was always there, waiting to be unlocked. As the team looks ahead to a brighter future, their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of vision, culture, and accountability in achieving greatness.
