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Ashburn Syndrome, or reason for optimism for Washington Football Team?

By Tim Meek

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 23: Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera waits on the sideline during their game against the Washington Redskins at Bank of America Stadium on October 23, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 23: Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera waits on the sideline during their game against the Washington Redskins at Bank of America Stadium on October 23, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Football Team interviews during the second day of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – FEBRUARY 26: Head coach Ron Rivera of the Washington Football Team interviews during the second day of the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 26, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Necessary changes for the Washington Football Team

For any type of return to glory, we knew things had to change. And oh my, they’ve certainly changed. As we all know, the biggest change happened to our name. A name that was a symbol of pride and tradition that’s filled our hearts with so many memories, that’s certainly changed. But I can assure you this is not the change that has me excited for a new season.

The change that has me excited is something I’ve not seen in the 20 years of the Snyder tenure.  I’m seeing the hiring of professionals. That process began with the removal of Bruce Allen and the hiring of Coach Ron Rivera as a coach-centric leader of the organization, a final voice and clear leader of football operations. From what I understand, the details of Rivera’s contract have not been made public, but whatever the figure may be, it’s not enough.

Rivera made immediate changes to the front office and staff. Pundits will always find a negative twist and they’ve tried to do this with him. Whether it be the losing seasons in Carolina, the hiring of so many former Carolina staff members, or his input on the name change. But personally, I’ve never been this confident in a coaching hire in the Snyder era; not even Joe Gibbs 2.0 had me feeling the way I do now.

Is it Ashburn Syndrome kicking in for me? Not a chance. Rivera is an absolute professional; he’s widely respected by former players and anyone who comes into contact with him. He’s given the organization a leader and a voice they’ve been missing for so long, and he does not tolerate misconduct. I wouldn’t say that Ron Rivera is the best coach in the NFL, but I do feel like he was the perfect coach for this franchise in this moment.

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