The 2003 Washington Redskins season was the franchise's 72nd season in the National Football League. The team failed to improve on their 7–9 record from 2002, dropping to 5-11 and missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year. This was their worst season since 1994. Following the season, defensive end Bruce Smith retired after 19 seasons in the NFL, Pro Bowl defensive back Champ Bailey would be traded to the Denver Broncos and head coach Steve Spurrier left after spending only two seasons coaching the Redskins.