When the Josh Harris ownership group took control of the Washington Commanders from Dan Snyder in 2023, there was widespread speculation about whether they might revisit the team’s name—especially with many fans pushing for a return to the “Redskins” moniker.
However, that doesn’t appear to be in the cards.
The franchise adopted the “Commanders” name in 2022 after moving away from “Redskins” in 2020. In the interim, the team was simply known as the “Washington Football Team.”
The “Commanders” name hasn’t exactly been met with overwhelming enthusiasm, and until now, the new ownership had not given a firm commitment to keeping it. That changed this week.
In a recent interview, Josh Harris provided a much clearer stance, making it evident that the team will continue as the Washington Commanders.
“Yes. I think it’s now being embraced by our team, by our culture, by our coaching staff. We’re going with that,” Harris said, according to Pro Football Talk.
Even before Harris’ statement, former team president Jason Wright had made it clear that regardless of any potential name change, bringing back the “Redskins” name was never on the table.
“It is not being considered,” Wright told radio station 106.7 The Fan in 2023. “Period.”
With Harris now firmly backing the “Commanders” identity, any lingering speculation should finally be put to rest.