Commanders Part Ways With Tight Ends Coach Ben Steele Over DWI Arrest

The Washington Commanders terminated tight ends coach Ben Steele following his arrest on driving-under-the-influence charges last month, the organization announced. Steele had been placed on administrative leave after the team learned of the incident and will not begin his first season with the franchise. No additional details were provided by the Commanders at the time of the announcement.

Beyond the DWI charge, Steele faces accusations of refusing a blood or breath test, obstructing or resisting an officer without force, and changing course without signaling, according to Virginia court records. The coaching staff moves quickly, with a replacement expected to be named Tuesday as the team prepares for the start of training camp the following day.

Wes Welker, a former receiver for the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos, stepped in as interim tight ends coach during the team’s offseason minicamp while Steele was sidelined. Steele arrived in Washington after three seasons as the Arizona Cardinals’ tight ends coach, a tenure that coincided with Trey McBride’s emergence as one of the league’s elite players at the position.

McBride earned two consecutive Pro Bowl selections and was named first-team All-Pro this past season after recording 1,239 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns in 2025. Steele’s coaching experience spans multiple NFL organizations including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos since beginning his NFL coaching career in 2014.

The Commanders added tight end Chig Okonkwo this offseason to strengthen a position group that underperformed last year. Washington’s 5-12 record was significantly impacted by injuries to quarterback Jayden Daniels, who appeared in just seven games after winning Offensive Rookie of the Year following a 12-5 campaign in 2024.