Details Emerge From Commanders' Firing of Ben Steele

The Commanders fired the assistant coach. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

Details Emerge From Commanders' Firing of Ben Steele

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Holleran | Last updated Jul 27, 2026 10:00 AM ET

Ben Steele, the tight ends coach for the Washington Commanders , was abruptly fired by the team on Monday morning, July 27, days before the start of training camp. Steele, 48, was hired by Dan Quinn earlier this offseason. He previously served as the tight ends coach for the Arizona Cardinals.

The Commanders released a brief, vague statement on the decision to part ways with the NFL assistant coach.

“We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele. The team will have no further comment at this time," the team announced in a statement.

But what actually led to Steele's firing?

Last month, according to court records, Steele was arrested in Virginia. He was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated on June 7. Steele is facing additional charges, though, for refusing blood/breath test and obstructing or resisting an officer without force.

But that might not be the only reason why Steele was let go on Monday morning.

Commanders insider Nicki Jhabvala had more details on the team's decision to part ways with the tight ends coach.

More details emerging from decision to fire Ben Steele

Steele was fired due to a violation of team policy, according to the NFL insider. He was first placed on leave and then let go. The Commanders are expected to announce his replacement soon.

"A source close to the situation said the Commanders let Ben Steele go due to violation of team policy. He was placed on leave after he informed the Commanders of his arrest, and the team reported it to the league. Dan Quinn is expected to announce his replacement tomorrow," Jhablava added on X.

A source close to the situation said the Commanders let Ben Steele go due to violation of team policy.

He was placed on leave after he informed the Commanders of his arrest, and the team reported it to the league.

Dan Quinn is expected to announce his replacement tomorrow.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) July 27, 2026