Eight predictions for the post-Dan Snyder era of the Washington Commanders

It was a historic moment in not only NFL history but also in Washington Commanders history. Dan Snyder, one of the biggest disgraces not only in the NFL but in sports ownership, is finally out. All NFL owners have unanimously approved the $6.05 billion sale of the franchise from Dan Snyder to a group led by Josh Harris. Now, there is a new era for Washington, where significant changes are happening.

So, I decided to make my eight predictions of what will happen with this organization under Harris’ ownership.

1. Ron Rivera will leave the Commanders this season

A bit surprising that the Commanders did not fire Ron Rivera after he basically admitted that he did not know the Commanders could be eliminated at the end of the season, which is basically coaching 101.

However, Rivera was the only ethical part of that organization, and the team decided to give him another year. This season is crunch time for Rivera, and he is going to need to have an above .500 record to keep his job. However, with his health issues and being 61 years old, there is a big chance that Rivera could retire at the end of the season.

This is where Eric Bieniemy comes in; he will take over the duties as the head coach once Rivera is no longer in that position.

7. GM Martin Mayhew to leave before the end of the year

When a new ownership group comes into a sports team, they are going to want their own people to bring in.

While Martin Mayhew has not been an awful GM, there is a real possibility that with the amount of change going on in that organization, it could lead to more changes organizationally and Mayhew could be on the list if the season does no go to plan next season.

6. Bumper season ticket sales for the 2023 season

Now that there is hope with Snyder gone, I believe that the Commanders will have an increase in Season Ticket Sales. Not only that, but there is no longer the fear that Snyder will sue season ticket holders as he has previously done that many times.

Now the fear of that is over and with hope in the team, I could really see Commanders have most season ticket sales in the past 5-10 years.

5. Will Dan Snyder now face jail time?

With the Mary Jo White report, it is pretty damning that Snyder committed multiple counts of fraud. The damning lines in that report are on page 19, where it states, “We also find that Mr. Snyder, known for his hands-on management and close monitoring of the Club’s finances, was aware of and supportive of the Club’s efforts to minimize its revenue-sharing obligations… Mr. Snyder, at a minimum, set a tone at the top that led to and encouraged the Club’s various schemes to shield NFL revenues from sharing. He acknowledged in his interview that he, as CEO and owner, would be responsible for any misconduct by the Club.” 

It is quite evident that Snyder had knowledge that he was committing fraud and even encouraged it to continue. I think that this could result in some jail time for Snyder, and yes, he did pay a $60 million fine, but I just don’t see how he escapes this one, especially considering the confirmed sexual harassment in the report as well. This might just be the beginning stages of putting Snyder in jail.

4. Commanders to PROPERLY honor Sean Taylor’s legacy

Dan Snyder has, for many times, spit on the legacy of Sean Taylor by disrespecting his memory. Whether it was the rushed jersey retirement, where they put Patrick Mahomes’ scumbag brother in an area where he danced on Sean Taylor’s number, or that disgraceful mannequin that was apparently meant to be a ‘statue’.

With new ownership in place, I truly hope this new team will properly and respectfully honor the legacy of Sean Taylor.

3. Commanders will part ways with Senior Advisor Doug Williams

Honestly, it stuns me that Williams was not fired the moment he called Ruben Foster’s Domestic Violence Situation ‘Small Potatoes.’ He legit said that and basically insinuated that Domestic Violence is an overrated issue and other people are doing worse things in the world.

Like I said, discussing both Ron Rivera and Martin Mayhew, new ownership wants to put the people they want in spots in the organization. There is a scenario where Williams and the Commanders will part ways, and I would not be shocked when it does. 

Ultimately, fostering a positive and respectful culture within an organization is crucial for its success, and decisions regarding personnel should reflect those values. The focus should always be on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all members of the organization, including players, staff, and fans.

2. Commanders will get an approval to build a new stadium

FedEx Field is an absolute embarrassment as a stadium. Honestly, it might be the worst stadium in not only the NFL but probably in every sports league today. Heck, the Commanders’ stadium is so bad that Jalen Hurts almost got injured when a barricade fell on him while a bunch of fans were leaning on it.

Also, I love that the stadium just put zip ties on it and called it fully repaired. With Snyder gone, it is likely that the state will agree to a new deal on a new stadium, and I think approval for a new stadium will be coming in two to three years.

1. Washington will rebrand the Commanders franchise

Let’s be real, the entire Commanders brand is the best in the NFL. The name is questionable, the logo is mediocre, and there is an awful stench with what Snyder created.

I think that it is time for the Commanders to do a complete rebrand into a new team. A new era with new ownership, and everything must change brand-wise.

All-in-all there are a lot of positives that will come now that Dan Snyder, one of the worst owners in the sport, has gone. It is a very exciting time to be a fan of Washington and the future is more bright and ethical with this franchise.