Tag: Josh Harris

Commanders owner Josh Harris on Jayden Daniels: ‘We got the best player in the draft’

Josh Harris thrilled to have Jayden Daniels as his first draft pick.

New Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels was in Ashburn on Friday, one day after becoming the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.

Daniels’s parents joined him as he and general manager Adam Peters met with the assembled media. Also present was Washington managing partner Josh Harris.

It’s safe to say Harris is thrilled with his first-ever draft as owner of his favorite childhood team.

“He stood out as a football player, statistically, what he did on the field, scouting-wise and we think we got the best player in the draft,” Harris said. “I met him as an individual, as a man, and you can all hear who he is.”

How involved was Harris in the process of selecting Daniels as the new quarterback?

“This was a very important day for the franchise; I wanted to watch and learn and listen and see (GM) Adam (Peters) and (head coach) Dan (Quinn) working, so I was selectively involved, but certainly got to know a number of the quarterbacks, a number of the people that we were considering and he stood out.”

Harris reportedly traveled with Peters and Quinn to the NFL combine and sat in on interviews with some of the quarterback prospects, and also spent time with them when they came to Ashburm for the much-discussed group visit.

 

Commanders to retire Darrell Green’s No. 28 jersey

A great way to start the day for the Commanders.

On the first day of the 2024 NFL draft, the Washington Commanders had franchise legend Darrell Green film a video welcoming the class of 2024 to Washington.

Once that portion of the video was complete, someone told Green to read a bit more, in which he would introduce the next Washington player to have his number retired — until he realized it was him.

Yes, that’s right. The Commanders are doing the right thing by finally retiring Green’s No. 28 jersey.

Green became emotional once he realized he would have his jersey retired, and his family quickly joined him.

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Joining Green’s family were minority owner Mitchell Rales—who grew up a Washington fan—former teammates and current team executives Martin Mayhew and Doug Williams, and team president Jason Wright. General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn later embraced Green — all wearing his famed No. 28 jersey.

Green said he was humbled by the honor.

“It means a ton to me,” Green said via John Keim of ESPN. “I never thought about this, never dreamed about it, never asked about it, whatever. But when it was spoken to me, it blew me away. It caught me. It touched something down on the inside of me that I didn’t know was there. So now I’m very humbled by this, but this is huge. This is a big deal, and I’m grateful for that. And I’m that guy that played the whole career here, wasn’t chasing the money and stuff, and it just kind of, in many ways, it just validated, man, I made the right decision.”

Managing partner Josh Harris and minority owner Magic Johnson spoke to Green via video.

Harris released a statement via the team’s website:

A first-round pick in the 1983 NFL draft, Green played 20 years for the Redskins, had 54 career interceptions, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

Green is the fifth player in franchise history to have his number officially retired.

Could analytics lead the Commanders to choose Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy?

In what world would the Commanders choose J.J. McCarthy at No. 2?

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris has never shied away from the importance of analytics to his sports organizations. He proved that with the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils. In October, Harris made his first big hire with the Commanders, hiring Eugene Shen to serve as Washington’s senior vice president of football strategy.

Shen quickly made his impact felt, consulting on the trades of defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young for 2024 NFL draft compensation. The trades gave Washington a total of nine picks in the draft.

New general manager Adam Peters’ first big personnel move — no offense to free agency — is who he will select at quarterback?

Peters, himself a strong proponent of analytics, will likely decide between Jayden Daniels (LSU), Drake Maye (North Carolina) and J.J. McCarthy (Michigan) on Thursday night.

Most people believe the Commanders will choose Daniels — the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner. Others think the pick is Maye, who most think has the highest long-term ceiling.

What about McCarthy?

The national championship quarterback may have less buzz than Maye and Daniels for No. 2 overall, but some who know Peters believe he’s firmly in the mix.

And, according to a report from Jason La Canfora of The Washington Post, if Washington allows analytics to help make the decision on the No. 2 overall pick, two other NFL GMs think McCarthy may be the pick.

Two general managers told me they believe that if the Washington Commanders let the analytics guide them, McCarthy is their guess for the No. 2 pick. If the team’s coaches hold significant sway and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s voice resonates, then Daniels would be the selection. Both general managers also believe Daniels would love to be a Raider.

Two things here: How much of an impact will analytics play in the decision for the No. 2 pick? Secondly, how much sway will Kingsbury have?

One note on Kingsbury: does anyone know if Kingsbury would prefer Daniels over Maye?

The 2024 NFL draft begins on Thursday.

Report: Bill Belichick was ‘very interested’ in Commanders’ head coaching job

Magic Johnson advocated for Bill Belichick, but the Commanders went in another direction.

It’s not often you need a head coach and a six-time Super Bowl champion is available. That was the case for the Washington Commanders this offseason. After the Patriots mutually agreed to part ways with Bill Belichick, the 72-year-old reportedly still wanted to coach.

Two jobs stood out early as possibilities for Belichick: the Atlanta Falcons and the Los Angeles Chargers. However, it was apparent that the Chargers were all-in on Jim Harbaugh, leaving the Falcons.

Belichick interviewed with the Falcons and was expected to have a second interview, but eventually, Atlanta hired Raheem Morris. The Commanders opening remained, but Belichick was never asked to interview, and the job eventually went to Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.

Was Washington even interested in Belichick?

According to Don Van Natta Jr., Seth Wickersham and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Commanders minority owner Magic Johnson was interested and made his pitch for the future Hall of Fame coach.

Washington seemed to be another good fit, and multiple sources said Belichick was very interested. He grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, and the combination of his hometown ties and football acumen might have helped the Commanders win and land a stadium in Washington, D.C., considered the most-prized location for a new venue. Commanders minority owner Magic Johnson lobbied hard for Belichick to be the team’s new head coach, sources said. Belichick spoke to new Commanders GM Adam Peters, a former Patriots staffer, and said he respected the job Peters had done in personnel since he had left New England, helping the Broncos and 49ers reach a combined three Super Bowls.

Apparently, managing partner Josh Harris discussed Belichick with Patriots owner Robert Kraft but was not interested in hiring him, instead preferring to hire a general manager first. Belichick held control over personnel during his tenure in New England, a model he likely preferred at a potential new destination.

However, principal owner Josh Harris, who had spoken privately with Kraft about Belichick, told confidants in early December that he respected Belichick but wasn’t going to hire him. He wanted the same leadership structure he has with the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils: a strong general manager over a head coach. Harris’ hiring of the 44-year-old Peters as GM before he looked for a coach was a big tell that Belichick was not a fit, a decision that Johnson endorsed. A source close to Belichick said the coach had questions about working in a strong-GM system. Washington decided to hire Cowboys defensive coordinator and former Falcons head coach Dan Quinn. The victim of the Patriots’ 28-3 Super Bowl comeback had a job. The primary architect of that historic victory did not.

Was this the right move for the Commanders? Only time will tell, but the early signs are positive for the Quinn/Peters partnership. Of course, Washington must win. After four years of Ron Rivera as the head coach/GM, that route didn’t appear to be one Harris would follow.

Commanders hire Senate aide to help in search for new stadium

Josh Harris makes a big hire to help in search for new stadium.

While the NFL world is focused on next week’s NFL draft, the Washington Commanders continue to make significant hires.

On Monday, Washington hired Dave Gardi away from the league office to serve as the senior vice president of football initiatives. Gardi will handle in-game management duties for the Commanders, supporting the coaching staff and front office on compliance with NFL protocols, officiating trends and health and safety protocols.

On Tuesday, owner Josh Harris made another big hire, bringing in top Senate aide Kirtan Mehta, per Hans Nichols of Axios.

Mehta’s new role will focus on Washington’s search for a new home. The team’s lease for FedEx Field in Landover expires in 2027, the 30th anniversary of the stadium’s opening. It has long been criticized as one of the worst venues in the league. While the team would likely prefer to build its new stadium at the RFK Stadium site in D.C., some hurdles remain.

Here’s why Mehta’s hiring is important, via Nichols:

“But he’s the kind of hire a new NFL owner would make to navigate the politics of moving a team from the Maryland suburbs to a parcel of land that’s currently owned by the federal government.”

D.C., Maryland and Virginia all want the Commanders, and Mehta will be instrumental in Harris finding the best possible deal for the franchise.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has been outspoken about the Commanders returning to D.C. since Harris bought the team from Dan Snyder last year.

Nichols on Mehta:

“Mehta’s first task: Getting House-passed legislation through the Senate that would allow Bowser to negotiate with Harris on a potential package for a stadium on the banks of the Anacostia River.”

Mehta comes to the Commanders after serving as the chief of staff for Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO). He previously worked with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) for five years. Manchin chairs the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Commanders hire Dave Gardi as senior vice president of football initiatives

Josh Harris with another big hire for the Commanders.

Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris continues to make big-time hires. On Monday, the Commanders named Dave Gardi, the senior vice president of football initiatives.

Gardi comes to Washington after working in the NFL offices for the last 21 years, including the past 10 years as the senior vice president of football operations.

Commanders general manager Adam Peters released a statement via the team’s website:

I’m excited to welcome Dave Gardi to the Washington Commanders. Dave has been one of the most highly regarded executives at the NFL League Office and is someone with an immense knowledge of the game. He will be an invaluable resource to our front office as we continue to usher in a new era of Washington Commanders football. It’s my pleasure to welcome Dave and his family to the DMV.

Gardi will handle in-game management duties for the Commanders, supporting the coaching staff and front office on compliance with NFL protocols, officiating trends and health and safety protocols.

Head coach Dan Quinn had the following statement:

Dave Gardi is one of the brightest minds in our league when it comes to football operations. He will be an incredible resource to the coaching staff as we prepare and plan for game days. Dave brings a unique perspective to our organization after working with the League Office for two decades. His addition makes our organization better across the board. I am thrilled to welcome Dave and his family to the DMV.

During his time at the league office, Gardi played a major role in developing policies and procedures to help control competitive balance and the integrity of the game.

Gardi played at Brown before receiving his law degree

Commanders continue to make important hires under owner Josh Harris

Josh Harris continues to make significant investments in the most important areas of the franchise.

The Washington Commanders made two significant hires on Monday, naming Ryan Juarez as the team’s director of rehabilitation and Jamal Randall Sr. as the team’s senior physical therapist/assistant athletic trainer.

It’s part of owner Josh Harris’s continued effort to beef up the organization’s infrastructure. In addition to hiring Eugene Shen as senior vice president of football strategy late last season, Harris hired Adam Peters as general manager and has made other critical business hires.

Juarez and Randall are important because Washington received failing grades in the NFLPA survey for its training room (F-) and training staff (F). Among the players’ complaints were that the Commanders didn’t have enough trainers or physical therapists. Harris will prioritize these types of hires, as he’s done with his other organizations in the NBA and NHL.

Here’s this from commanders.com:

With the additions of both Juarez and Randall Sr., Washington has formed their new Rehabilitation Unit. This unit is a newly dedicated and streamlined process which will work in collaboration with the performance department and is designed to coordinate the rehab process for injured players in the most effective way possible. This function will play a vital role in return to play decision-making.

Juarez comes to Washington directly from the University of Nebraska, where he served as the director of rehabilitation. Before his time at Nebraska, Juarez spent time at Mercer University, the San Diego Chargers, the San Diego Fleet of the AAF, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Fresno State football program. 

Randall spent the past seven seasons with the Atlanta Falcons as the athletic trainer and physical therapist.

Commanders owner Josh Harris on team’s facilities: ‘I’m not an F-minus guy’

Josh Harris talks about Washington’s poor grades from the NFLPA survey and the all of the work the team is doing.

When the NFLPA released its first report cards in 2023, the goal was to provide anonymous feedback from players on all 32 NFL teams. Some of the items graded in the report cards were team facilities, medical care, coaches and treatment of the players’ families.

The Washington Commanders didn’t grade well in the first or second year of the report cards. Whether it was outdated team headquarters in Ashburn, Va., the locker rooms or the training staff, the team scored poorly in many categories.

In some good news, Washington made a big jump in the ownership category this year, scoring a “B.”

Majority owner Josh Harris has pledged improvements of over $75 million to FedEx Field and the team’s facilities since taking over last July.

At the NFL owners meetings this week, Harris spoke with JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington about the report cards and was asked specifically about some of the Commanders’ grades. Harris offered a terrific answer.

“I’m not an F-minus guy,” Harris said, referring to some of the grades the team received. “I didn’t even know you could get an F-minus. Obviously, we’ve jumped all over that; first of all, that report is based on interviews that occurred right around the ownership change. It’s clearly something we’re focused on. In fact, (GM) Adam (Peters) and (head coach) Dan (Quinn) had to leave the NFL meetings briefly to go have a discussion with the architects. We’re trying to make a lot of changes there quickly. The NFL player community is a small community; the NFL coaching community is a small community. We want to be a place that everyone says, ‘That’s a great place to be.’ And therefore, we need to upgrade that facility, and we are upgrading that facility.”

Harris continued to discuss the topic, noting that there is only so much that can be done before training camp but the team is working on every aspect to make it a player-friendly environment.

Offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas, who re-signed with the team last week, told the media about the changes underway at Commanders Park, even noting the team was getting new carpet in the locker room.

It’s a good time for the Commanders. There is excitement with a new owner, GM and coach. Washington will soon have a new franchise quarterback as it’s expected to select one second overall in next month’s draft.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell optimistic about a Commanders stadium in Washington

Roger Goodell hopeful for a new Commanders stadium in Washington, D.C.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell grew up in Washington, D.C., as a fan of the Washington Redskins, attending games at the legendary RFK Stadium.

Since taking over the franchise, new owner Josh Harris has been looking for the home of his team’s next stadium. The old RFK Stadium site, in addition to sites in Maryland and Virginia, is in the running.

Last month, House lawmakers passed a bill to allow D.C. to use the RFK Stadium site for a potential new home for the Commanders. The passing of that bill is only the first step for a potential return to the District for the NFL franchise; the bill goes to the Senate next.

However, everyone is optimistic that Washington and the Commanders can find common ground, including Goodell.

“Well, I’ve talked to (D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser) several times going back, I think, two years, about allowing D.C. to have the ability to have a long-term lease,” Goodell said Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings in Orlando, Florida, per Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post.

“As you probably know, I grew up in Washington, D.C. I spent a lot of time at the old RFK Stadium. It’s something that I think Josh and the Commanders want to evaluate. I think the city wants to evaluate (it), and I think the NFL does. So, I see it as a very positive development that we can have another alternative that will allow us to get the kind of stadium in our nation’s capital that is warranted, in my view.”

The Commanders’ chances of landing a new stadium deal increased exponentially when Harris and his ownership group purchased the franchise from Daniel Snyder last year. Under Snyder, Washington had no hope of striking a deal anywhere for a new stadium.

Speaking of Snyder, do you think Goodell was happy not to discuss Washington’s former owner this year at the NFL meetings?

Magic Johnson loves what the Commanders have done so far in hiring Dan Quinn

Magic Johnson is a big believer in new head coach Dan Quinn.

When Magic Johnson was revealed as a minority partner in Josh Harris’ bid to own the Washington Commanders last year, he made it clear this wasn’t a vanity thing for him. Johnson, who has plenty of experience in sports ownership, was here to win.

Johnson often tweets about his favorite teams, specifically his beloved Los Angeles Lakers. Last season, he added the Commanders to that list. While his tweets were often positive, Johnson appeared to express some frustration after some early-season losses.

Since January, Harris, Johnson and other members of Washington’s ownership group have made massive changes. Those changes began by firing Ron Rivera and hiring the top GM candidate available, Adam Peters.

While many believed the Commanders would hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as head coach, they eventually hired Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Quinn’s hiring was praised across the NFL, as most believed he deserved a second shot at being a head coach after over five seasons as the Falcons’ head coach from 2015-20.

Since his arrival, Quinn has hired a terrific coaching staff. Washington was then active in free agency, signing several players to improve a 4-13 roster.

So far, Johnson likes what he has seen.

“We’re excited because Coach Quinn has been a head coach in the league before,” Johnson said in an interview with WUSA9 in Washington. “He took the Falcons to the Super Bowl. He’s done an amazing job with the Cowboys.”

Quinn spent the past three seasons in Dallas, where he led the Cowboys to top-five finishes in total defensive DVOA each season, per FTN.

“We needed an outstanding leader, and we got one in Coach Quinn,” Johnson said. “And, so, now he’s put together an amazing staff. So it’s up to us to do a good job in free agency and the draft and just build it and take steps. You got two teams in our division that we’re trying to catch, and that’s the Cowboys and the Eagles. And so we got to take steps to do that and build our team the right way.”

Johnson himself was reportedly involved in Quinn and the Commanders’ hiring of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who many believed had agreed to join the Raiders in the same role.

Everything is good for Washington right now. The Commanders have had a strong free-agency period and hold nine picks in next month’s 2024 NFL draft, beginning at No. 2 overall.