Washington Redskins not doomed to eternal failure under Dan Snyder

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder attracts plenty of criticism. And deservedly so.

Since Snyder became the Washington Redskins owner after purchasing the franchise, the Washington Redskins have amassed a record of 132-171-1. In the two decades before his hiring, the team went 176-135, winning three Super Bowls.

Snyder’s losing ways can not only be quantified by the record of his team, but also by the mass turnover among team personnel under his watch. In nineteen years, the Washington Redskins have had eight different head coaches. In that same time span, the New England Patriots have had two. And one has coached eighteen of those years.

It’s both easy and perfectly reasonable to draw a correlation between Dan Snyder and losing. Many have called for Snyder to sell the team, or even “be fired”, but the reality is, barring a scandal that pushes him out, Snyder will remain the Washington Redskins’ owner. He is his own superior in the organization, and he alone possesses the ability to relinquish the job. For an owner that wants to be known for a winning legacy, Snyder isn’t going to leave. He still has a lot of work to do, in order to heal that legacy.

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The Washington Redskins are stuck with Dan Snyder. It’s the inescapable truth. But does this mean they are doomed to lose every season? Absolutes such as these rarely hold true in the NFL. After all, the NFL is a year-to-year league. But every year, the Snyder-led Redskins have been a disappointment, in some way or another. What makes this year different? Or any year different?

It’s easy to dismiss any preseason excitement as hype that will soon be hushed by Dan Snyder and his antics. That way, the blow of any disappointment is softened. But contrary to popular belief, the Washington Redskins are not doomed to eternal failure with Dan Snyder at the helm.

Yes, Snyder’s methods have not been effective, and one could say his presence as an overbearing, underdeveloped football mind has cost the Washington Redskins a great deal. But if he can’t go away, then perhaps he should learn, and minimize himself. That’s what he appears to be doing this offseason.

There are new figures taking on increased roles in Redskins Park. Brian Lafemina is the new president of business operations. Jake Bye was recently brought on as a marketing executive. Doug Williams handles player relations and helps with general manager duties. Kyle Smith is the team’s new young, up and coming scout, and he could soon be promoted to general manager.

Next: Redskins Position Battles - Colt McCoy vs. Kevin Hogan

The Washington Redskins appear to have a growing front office, both in terms of number and in terms of quality. If Dan Snyder can remain what he is, an owner, and focus more on maximizing his performance there, then there is hope for the Washington Redskins. He’ll never be a great owner. Maybe not even a decent one. But at the very least, he can stay out of the team’s way. And if he does that, then success is not unattainable.

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