How could Commanders legend Joe Gibbs help new ownership group?

How could Washington Commanders' legend Joe Gibbs help the new ownership group led by Josh Harris get this franchise back to prominence?

Although there are still some things to work through, the Washington Commanders will fall into the hands of Josh Harris' ownership group at some stage before competitive action arrives in 2023. If everything goes according to plan, the motion could be put forward to vote between NFL owners at their next batch of meetings on May 22.

Considering the pessimism that surrounded the sale following a report by The Washington Post earlier in the week, the pendulum swung massively in a short space of time. Statements were released by Dan Snyder and Harris, with Magic Johnson also declaring his delight that their vision can become reality on social media.

Joe Gibbs willing to help new Commanders ownership group

The news also drew a statement from Commanders' legend Joe Gibbs via Matt Reigle of OutKick, who's been in close contact with Harris' group throughout the saga and is confident they can restore pride back into the franchise through on-field success and enhanced community involvement.

"I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Josh Harris and the leadership team during this process and fully support his efforts to lead the new ownership group of the Commanders. The NFL has grown a great deal since my time as a coach in this League, but what hasn’t changed is my belief that with great leadership from the top, the drive to win on the field and a commitment to culture – championship teams are created. Josh and his team share these values and I am committed to doing what I can to re-connect this great franchise to the community, fanbase, and alumni."

- Joe Gibbs via OutKick

While the rumors about Gibbs becoming a minority stakeholder in the group were unfounded, that doesn't mean he cannot be an influential figure from an advisory standpoint. He cares deeply about the organization, was around during some of Washington's greatest times, and knows full well how much the steep decline under Dan Snyder affected the entire region from top to bottom.

This counsel is great PR for the Harris group and can give them a broader perspective of what the Commanders mean to so many. Gibbs' statement made his intentions to assist in whatever way possible known and if the incoming ownership had any sense, it's a resource they'll utilize heavily during their transition.

Gibbs can get those who removed themselves from the equation during Snyder's reign of terror to return. Fans will do the same with renewed optimism and as Louis Riddick of ESPN stated via Twitter recently, it won't take long before the Commanders become a job destination of choice once again.

There needs to be a level of accountability and connectivity with this new ownership regime. Snyder's disappearing act and having nothing more than his own interests at heart disenchanted almost everyone - which is a mistake Harris and his numerous partners won't be making in a hurry.

If Harris' group can bring the good times back to Washington, there's just no telling how much it will invigorate one of the league's most storied franchises. Should this scenario come to fruition and Gibbs plays a part, his place in Commanders' folklore will be cemented until the end of time.