Washington Commanders dismiss tight ends coach Ben Steele after DWI arrest

The Washington Commanders have terminated tight ends coach Ben Steele following his arrest on a driving‑while‑intoxicated charge in Virginia. According to Loudoun County court records, Steele was taken into custody on June 7 and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, refusing a breath or blood test, obstructing or resisting an officer without force, and a traffic‑related violation stemming from the stop. Steele notified the Commanders of the arrest, after which the franchise placed him on administrative leave and informed the NFL that the matter was under review. In a brief statement released Monday, the team said, “We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele. The team will have no further comment at this time.” During Steele’s absence, offensive assistant Wes Welker assumed responsibility for the tight ends group throughout mandatory minicamp. Head coach Dan Quinn is expected to address the coaching adjustment as Washington opens training camp, with a replacement anticipated to be named in the coming days. Steele, 48, joined Washington earlier this year after serving the previous three seasons as the Arizona Cardinals’ tight ends coach, a role in which he contributed to the development of standout tight end Trey McBride. Prior to his stint in Arizona, Steele held coaching positions with the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons, following a brief NFL playing career. His departure comes as the Commanders finalize preparations for the 2026 season, with veterans reporting for training camp this week.