Dan Snyder is officially out as Commanders owner, as the NFL completed the sale of the Washington franchise to Josh Harris on Thursday. Many observers subsequently celebrated the departure of Snyder, one of the most controversial owners in league history, and a former head coach of the team made a surprising revelation.
On “The Kevin Sheehan Show” podcast, Jay Gruden, who coached the Commanders from 2014-19, said he believes the franchise will benefit from new ownership, specifically because Snyder “made it too much about himself” by imposing his will in personnel matters.
“He wasn’t experienced enough in the business to make those decisions.” Gruden said, via Commanders Wire. “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.”
Gruden contrasted Snyder to Bengals owner Mike Brown, whom he served as offensive coordinator from 2011-13. The coach said Brown actually attended meetings and watched film before giving his input on personnel decisions.
“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,” Gruden said. “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.”
Despite Gruden’s displeasure with Snyder’s decision making, the former coach said he couldn’t overrule Snyder. Gruden spent parts of six seasons as the Commanders’ head coach, reaching the playoffs once and going 35-49-1 in that span.
