The Commanders parted ways Monday with tight ends coach Ben Steele. Ben Liebenberg / Associated PressJuly 27, 2026 Updated 10:36 am EDTLEESBURG, Va. — Two days before the start of training camp, the Washington Commanders fired tight ends coach Ben Steele following his recent arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Virginia.According to court records, Steele was pulled over for a traffic infraction of changing course after signal. In addition to the DWI, Steele is also facing charges for refusing a chemical breath or blood test as well as obstructing or resisting an officer without force.The three charges — DWI, refusing testing and obstruction/resisting arrest — are all class 1 misdemeanors in Virginia. A first-offense DWI is punishable with up to 12 months in jail, a fine that ranges from $250-$2,500 and a one-year driver’s license suspension.
The Commanders placed Steele on leave after he informed them of his arrest, and the team reported it to the league, according to a source with knowledge of the situation but not permitted to speak openly about the situation. Steele was later fired due to a violation of a team policy.Commanders offensive assistant Wes Welker coached the tight ends during mandatory minicamp in June while Steele was on administrative leave.The NFL declined to comment, and Steele’s attorney did not immediately respond when contacted by email.This story will be updated.
