The Washington Commanders made a sudden change on Monday, cutting ties with tight ends coach Ben Steele just days before training camp is set to begin.
The team announced the move in a short statement: “We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele,” the team said in a brief statement. “The team will have no further comment at this time.”
Steele’s exit comes after his June arrest in North Carolina on suspicion of driving while impaired. Court records say he was charged with driving while impaired and refusing a chemical test.
His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 13.
Multiple reports said Steele told the Commanders about the arrest soon after it happened. Washington then placed him on administrative leave while it reviewed the situation.
Steele had only been on the staff since February, when he joined after three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals as their tight ends coach. In Arizona, he worked with Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride, who developed into one of the league’s top players at the position.
Before coaching, Steele had a short playing career in the NFL. He entered the league as an undrafted free agent and appeared in games for the Green Bay Packers in 2004 and 2005.
According to The Athletic, head coach Dan Quinn is expected to name Steele’s replacement before the Commanders’ first training camp practice. That gives Washington little time to settle things before it starts preparing for the 2026 season.
The Commanders are set to open the regular season on Sept. 13 against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Steele’s case is still pending, and the allegations against him have not been resolved in court. Washington has not offered any additional explanation beyond Monday’s statement.
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