Washington Commanders dismiss tight ends coach Ben Steele after DWI arrest
Washington Commanders dismiss tight ends coach Ben Steele after June 7 DWI arrest; Wes Welker has taken over duties and the team will address the move at camp. (159 characters)
The Washington Commanders have parted ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele following his arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the team announced on the eve of training camp. The development came after Steele informed the organization of the June 7 arrest and was placed on administrative leave, according to a person with knowledge who spoke to The Associated Press. The move leaves the Commanders without their newly hired tight ends coach as players report for the start of camp.
Commanders separate from tight ends coach Ben Steele
Steele, 48, who was hired by Washington after three seasons on the Arizona Cardinals’ staff, is no longer with the team amid the legal matter. The team has not publicly released a detailed statement on the separation, and officials declined further comment through team channels. The Associated Press report and court records form the basis for public details about the incident.
Administrative leave followed June 7 arrest
According to court records, Steele was arrested on June 7 on a misdemeanor charge of driving while under the influence and a civil violation for refusing a blood or breathalyzer test. The person familiar with the situation said Steele notified the team after the arrest and was subsequently placed on administrative leave pending review. No comment was returned from Steele’s attorney by the time of publication.
Wes Welker assumed coaching responsibilities during minicamp
Offensive assistant Wes Welker took over Steele’s responsibilities during minicamp and will continue in that role as the team reorganizes for training camp. Welker, a veteran of multiple coaching stops and a former NFL receiver, will oversee the tight ends group while the team evaluates staffing for the season. The temporary transition is intended to maintain continuity for players preparing for the regular season.
Coach Dan Quinn to address the matter at camp-opening news conference
Head coach Dan Quinn is scheduled to speak about team matters at the camp-opening news conference on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and is expected to address the coaching change. The announcement of Quinn’s planned remarks came as players were set to report, leaving limited time for the organization to finalize internal decisions. Team leaders typically use such press conferences to outline staffing, disciplinary steps, and the path forward for player development.
Steele’s playing and coaching background
Steele appeared in 18 NFL games with the Green Bay Packers in 2004 and 2005 before moving into coaching roles at the collegiate and professional levels. His recent resume included three seasons on the Arizona Cardinals’ staff before joining Washington for this season. The Commanders had viewed Steele’s experience as a potential asset to a tight ends room that figures to be a key part of the offense.
Legal proceedings and team considerations
With court records indicating the charges and a refusal violation, Steele faces legal steps that could influence both his personal situation and any potential employment recourse. Teams commonly weigh legal outcomes, internal conduct policies, and public relations implications when making staffing decisions tied to criminal or civil matters. The Commanders’ action reflects an organizational choice to separate from a coach while legal matters remain unresolved.
The timing of the departure — immediately before training camp — creates an operational challenge for position coaching and player preparation, but the team has taken steps to ensure coaching coverage. The Commanders will monitor the legal case and provide additional updates through official channels as warranted, while players and staff focus on readying the roster for the upcoming season.
