Commanders Fire TEs Coach Ben Steele

Ben Steele will not be a member of the Commanders’ coaching staff during training camp. His time in the nation’s capital has proven to be very short-lived.

“We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele,” the Commanders announced on Monday. “The team will have no further comment at this time.”

Steele was hired during the 2026 cycle after three seasons coaching the Cardinals’ tight ends. He was not with the team during minicamp, however, due to a June DWI arrest. Virginia court records show (h/t Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic) Steele was arrested on June 7. Additional charges of refusing a blood/breath test and obstructing or resisting an officer without force were also laid at the time.

As Jhabvala notes, Steele was placed on paid leave upon informing the Commanders of his arrest. Today’s firing was caused by the resultant violation of team policy. Head coach Dan Quinn is expected to name a replacement tomorrow, Jhabvala adds.

While Steele was sidelined during minicamp, Wes Welker worked as Washington’s tight ends coach. He could continue in that capacity on a full-time basis, although the Commanders also have David Raih in the fold. Raih spent the past two years coaching the team’s tight ends before being promoted to pass-game coordinator in 2026. Washington’s first training camp practice will take place on Wednesday, and a decision on Steele’s replacement will likely have been made by then.