The Washington Commanders have moved on from tight ends coach Ben Steele just days before training camp opens, cutting ties after his June arrest on suspicion of driving while impaired.
The team announced Monday that it was parting ways with Steele and offered no extra explanation. “We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele,” the Commanders said in a brief statement. “The team will have no further comment at this time.”
Court records show Steele was arrested in North Carolina on charges of driving while impaired and refusing a chemical test. His next court date is set for Aug.
- Multiple reports said Steele told the Commanders about the arrest soon after it happened, and the team responded by placing him on administrative leave while it reviewed the situation.
Steele had been on Washington’s staff since February, arriving after three seasons as the Arizona Cardinals’ tight ends coach. In Arizona, he worked with Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride and helped guide his rise into one of the NFL’s top players at the position.
Before coaching, Steele had a short playing career in the league. He entered 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 begin their first training camp practice. That leaves Washington with little time to settle the position before preparations for the 2026 season get underway.
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 added anything beyond Monday’s statement.
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