The Washington Commanders have parted ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele just days before the start of training camp, the team announced on July 27, 2026. Steele, who was hired only this past offseason, was dismissed following a June arrest on driving while intoxicated charges.
In a brief official statement, the Commanders said:
“We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele. The team will have no further comment at this time.”
Details of the Arrest and Team Decision
According to Loudoun County District Court records in Virginia, Ben Steele was charged on June 7, 2026, with driving while intoxicated (DWI). He also faced charges for:
- Driving while intoxicated (DWI)
- Refusing a blood or breath test
- Obstruction or resisting an officer without force
A source familiar with the matter said Steele informed the Commanders of the arrest, was subsequently placed on leave, and the organization notified the NFL. The team later determined that the incident violated organizational policy, leading to his dismissal.
Head coach Dan Quinn is expected to announce a replacement for the tight ends coaching position in the coming days, potentially as early as Tuesday.
Who Is Ben Steele?
Ben Steele joined the Washington Commanders during the 2026 offseason after spending three seasons (2023–2025) as the Arizona Cardinals’ tight ends coach. During his tenure in Arizona, he played a key role in the development of Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride, who emerged as one of the NFL’s top players at the position.
Before arriving in Washington, Steele built an extensive coaching résumé that included stops with:
- Arizona Cardinals – Tight Ends Coach (2023–2025)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Tight Ends Coach
- Atlanta Falcons – Tight Ends Coach
- Minnesota Vikings – Assistant Offensive Line Coach
- Denver Broncos – Assistant Offensive Line Coach
His hiring was viewed as an important addition to Washington’s offensive staff following the promotion of David Raih to pass game coordinator under offensive coordinator David Blough.
Impact on the Commanders’ 2026 Season
The timing of Steele’s dismissal is significant, with training camp opening this week. Washington will now need to quickly identify a replacement to oversee a tight end group led by veteran Zach Ertz along with several younger players competing for roles on the roster.
The move also reflects the organization’s emphasis on accountability and professionalism under its current ownership and coaching leadership. Despite Steele’s strong coaching background, the Commanders acted swiftly after determining the incident violated team standards.
As of now, the Commanders have not announced Steele’s replacement or released any additional comments regarding the situation. Attention now turns to who will assume responsibility for the tight ends room as Washington prepares for the 2026 NFL season.