Washington Commanders fire tight ends coach Ben Steele

The Washington Commanders fired tight ends coach Ben Steele on Monday, July 27, 2026, just days before the start of training camp, following his June arrest on driving while intoxicated charges. The team announced the dismissal in a brief statement, saying it was parting ways with Steele and would have no further comment.

According to Loudoun County District Court records in Virginia, Steele was arrested on June 7. He faces charges of driving while intoxicated, refusing a blood or breath test, and obstruction or resisting an officer without force. All charges are class 1 misdemeanors. A source familiar with the situation said Steele informed the Commanders of the arrest, after which the team placed him on paid leave and reported the matter to the NFL. The organization later determined the incident violated team policy, leading to his termination.

Steele, who was hired by the Commanders in February, had a short tenure with the team. He joined Washington after spending the previous three seasons as the tight ends coach for the Arizona Cardinals, where he was credited with aiding the development of Pro Bowl player Trey McBride. Steele’s extensive coaching resume also includes...