Everything Josh Harris touched turned to gold when he became Washington Commanders' majority owner. The bar wasn't exactly high after Dan Snyder's reign of terror, but the dark clouds were removed, and everything was on the up after decades of misery.
Now, Harris faces a defining moment that could shape the rest of his ownership tenure.
Off the field, things couldn't be going much better for the Commanders.
Josh Harris faces a moment that could define his Commanders tenure
Plans for a return to RFK Stadium are in full swing, and the new venue will be industry-leading. The 2027 NFL Draft is coming to D.C., the practice facility has been upgraded, and the fan experience at Northwest Stadium has also improved significantly.
Legends of a bygone era who once shunned the franchise under Snyder's watch have returned. The connections have been restored, and even though the new name remains, the uniforms look a lot like the old days.
But when it's all said and done, winning is all that matters.
And the Commanders have not done much of that since their memorable run to the conference championship game in Year 1 of head coach Dan Quinn's tenure.
The Commanders are 6–15–1 since reaching their NFC Championship loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. It's been a drop-off of epic proportions, and a large section of fans are now calling for change after a disgraceful clock-management fiasco during a tie with the New York Giants.
Washington is reportedly keeping faith with Quinn. The coach admitted that some difficult conversations have taken place with Harris, with general manager Adam Peters also likely involved. Nothing is being done yet, but there is urgency to turn the tide.
Commanders owner Josh Harris will stay patient, but that won't last forever
What comes next will be crucial, and it will set the tone for Harris.
There was enough respect for former head coach Ron Rivera to let him see out the 2023 season before letting him go. Harris will probably provide Quinn with the same courtesy, but if results don't improve, more landmark changes could be on the not-too-distant horizon.
Across his other franchises, Harris is a big proponent of patience.
He oversaw the "trust the process" era with the Philadelphia 76ers, and he is not known for letting emotions impact his decisions. There will be a tipping point at some stage, but it doesn't look like Quinn is there yet.
Harris also listens. Both to the fans and his investors.
Minority owner Magic Johnson isn't happy; he made that abundantly clear on social media. The boos that rang from the stands at Northwest Stadium after this debacle told their own story. That may not carry much weight, but Harris will take everything into account before deciding on next steps.
The billionaire has grand plans for the Commanders. He was a fan first, and this emotional attachment is night and day from the way Snyder went about things.
But that shouldn't get in the way of sound business decisions.
And though Harris likes Quinn, this is a results business.
Harris knows it. This isn't his first sports franchise, and this isn't the first time he's faced a tough choice since becoming an NFL owner.
But if the Commanders cannot salvage something from the campaign, it will go from a tough choice to a foregone conclusion.
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