Josh Harris speaks to the media
The Washington Commanders’ managing partner Josh Harris spoke to the media today for an end of season presser. He’s proud of the team, and the leadership that has helped install a winning culture. Harris was asked about a possible rebranding from the Washington Commanders and he said the name means something in the building after the season the team just had. He later said the name was here to stay, but the team will be working to honor the past. This has been reported to be more use of the team’s old logo on alumni merchandise, and returning the uniforms to something closer to the past.
Harris received multiple questions about where the team’s new stadium will be, who will pay for it, his preference for locations, and other questions that he wasn’t going to honestly answer today. The team is reportedly heavily invested in returning to Washington, D.C. at the site of the team’s former home, RFK Stadium. Staying in Maryland is considered the fall back option if D.C. falls through, with Virginia long gone from serious consideration.
LIVE: Managing Partner Josh Harris speaks to the media after the season https://t.co/Kc1Em1tlx0
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) February 3, 2025
Josh Harris starting his press conference now pic.twitter.com/7dmEcrj6Ei
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) February 3, 2025
Proud of the team:
Josh Harris is at the mic. Said he couldn’t be prouder of everyone on the team for the past season. It’s a testament to the culture they’ve built
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) February 3, 2025
Wish we were in New Orleans:
Josh Harris: “I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wish we were in New Orleans.”
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) February 3, 2025
Free agents coming to Washington:
Josh Harris on free agents coming, “we’re looking for Commanders… we’re totally focused on improving on our team, and we’re gonna do that”
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) February 3, 2025
Commanders name/change:
Josh Harris on the name, potential rebranding and a return to history. pic.twitter.com/GWdS9CzlAk
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) February 3, 2025
Harris on rebranding/name/other things: focused on winning, fixing up Ashburn and the stadium.
“In this building, the name ‘Commanders’ means something.”
Mentioned that fans are going to see the team honoring the past and blending it with the future
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) February 3, 2025
Josh Harris – “Right now in this building the name Commanders means something. It’s about players who love football, are great at football and hit hard. That name is growing in meaning.”
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 3, 2025
Josh Harris adds that the Commanders are looking to better honor the past and reconnect with the past – my read on that is uniform changes to look like they used to and not the wack red combo they have now
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 3, 2025
Josh Harris made it pretty clear in talking to reporters today that the team will be looking to honor the past moving forward.
As we talked about on the show Friday, you’ll see that effort materialize in the uniforms moving forward.
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) February 3, 2025
Commanders owner Josh Harris end of year press conference… begins with the name issue “back to winning games, fixing up Ashburn, working on the stadium”
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) February 3, 2025
Commanders is here to stay:
Josh Harris was just asked point blank if the Commanders name is here to stay.
His answer will shut down any talk of name changes for the forseeable future. pic.twitter.com/OnOhrskiPG
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) February 3, 2025
Asked if it’s safe to say the Commanders name is sticking around: “yeah… it’s now being embraced by our team by our culture by our coaching staff. We’re going with that.”
— John Keim (@john_keim) February 3, 2025
Massive opportunity:
Harris said the team has “a massive opportunity.” Added that the team is committed to building and being elite for the future. They’re going to do everything they can to improve their team
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) February 3, 2025
Changed expectations:
Josh Harris to reporters in Ashburn: “We’ve arrived, and that changes expectations. I’ve lived through this before and we welcome it.”
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 3, 2025
New stadium:
On the new stadium. “I grew up w a great stadium. I understand what it’s like to play in a stadium where it’s hard for the opposing team to play.”
— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) February 3, 2025
On a new stadium, Harris said he has multiple things in mind.Wants to create a stadium where the team can win, but also views it as a responsibility to create a venue that can help the community, create jobs and give back to area it’s in. Still considering multiple jurisdictions
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) February 3, 2025
Timeline for a new stadium:
Harris said they’re sticking with the 2030 timeline for a new stadium.
— John Keim (@john_keim) February 3, 2025
Washington, D.C.:
In November, Commanders team owner Josh Harris said D.C. is the most politically viable for a new stadium.
Does he still feel that way?
Josh said, “when we do surveys, it’s the location most acceptable…we have a lot of dialogue going on with everyone.” pic.twitter.com/J83ultdqxX
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) February 3, 2025
Harris says whenever they do surveys, DC is the one that’s aligned w the history and easiest to get to for most fans. Dc is also most acceptable.
— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) February 3, 2025
Harris: “We have a lot of dialogue with everyone” about where to place new stadium. Highlighted DC and its history with the team, but also mentioned interest with Maryland and Virginia
— Zach Selby (@ZachSelbyWC) February 3, 2025
Harris made it clear they’re considering all jurisdictions for a new stadium but understands the impact of returning to the RFK site. Says based on surveys it’s “aligned with history… and easiest place to get to.” But definite steps remain.
— John Keim (@john_keim) February 3, 2025
Lobbying for D.C.:
Harris said nothing has been decided with a stadium site. Said their “lobbying” of some key politicians, including MD Gov. Wes Moore was designed “to get DC to the table. … now DC has to decide what it wants to do.” Said Moore was “incredible” during process.
— John Keim (@john_keim) February 3, 2025
Josh Harris on reaching out to DC Politicos, we wanted to bring DC to the table, they didn’t have the land. DC really has to decide what it wants to do
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) February 3, 2025
Paying for a stadium:
Will Commanders team owner Josh Harris pay for a new stadium?
He didn’t answer the question. See his response ⬇️⬇️ pic.twitter.com/r0AVBLRcQh
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) February 3, 2025
Washington’s leadership:
One year ago today, the Commanders hired Dan Quinn to be their head coach.
I asked team owner Josh Harris what he’s most proud of during that span?
Josh said, “I think I made the right leadership choices…people here are appreciative of Washington football again.” pic.twitter.com/bsyKjqso10
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) February 3, 2025
Harris says he’s still learning and leaning on the leadership he’s put in place.
— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) February 3, 2025
Josh Harris on his weekly conf calls with Dan Quinn and Adam Peters “yeah I’m just learning”
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) February 3, 2025
Harris: “I think I made the right leadership choices… My most important 3 jobs were picking a coach picking a GM and picking someone to lead the business.” Says he’s proud of the “reawakening” of Washington football.
— John Keim (@john_keim) February 3, 2025
Fans:
Josh Harris on the year since hiring Dan Quinn; I feel super proud of how excited the Washington Community has gotten… I made it a point of meeting the fans inside and outside of the stadium, people were literally crying.
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) February 3, 2025
Harris said “there are very few things that unite the whole DMV and Washington Commanders are at the front of the list.”
— John Keim (@john_keim) February 3, 2025
Offseason improvements:
Josh Harris; we’re going to do a lot in the off season to make the players and coaches lives better. (changes to Ashburn facility and Landover)
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) February 3, 2025
Josh Harris; we’re going to spend a lot of money trying to make this place better for the people that work, live and play here”
— Chick Hernandez (@MrChickSports) February 3, 2025