The Washington Commanders are set to open training camp this week, but they will be doing it without new tight ends coach Ben Steele. The team announced Monday morning that it was parting ways with Steele, and wouldn’t comment further on the situation.
Per Virginia court records, Steele was arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated on June 7, and he faces an additional charges for refusing the field blood/breath test, obstruction/resisting arrest without force and changing course without a signal.
Per The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala, Steele was dismissed for violating team policy.
Steele was the Cardinals tight ends coach for the last three seasons before joining Washington’s staff in 2026. The Commanders previous TEs coach was David Raih, but he was promoted to offensive pass game coordinator when David Blough got the promotion to OC. He is considered a future offensive coordinator himself, but could help with the group until Washington hires another coach. There is no assistant TEs coach on staff.
Per NBC4’s JP Finlay, Steele did not coach during the team’s mandatory minicamp, with offensive assistant Wes Welker coaching the tight ends. He was also not available for the team’s media availability on June 10th,
Head coach Dan Quinn will speak with the media on Tuesday and could announce Steele’s replacement at that time.
