The Washington Commanders have fired tight ends coach Ben Steele. The team announced the move on Monday.
Steele joined the Commanders this offseason. He was hired in late February after three seasons as the tight ends coach for the Arizona Cardinals. In Arizona, Steele worked with tight end Trey McBride, who recorded 126 receptions in 2025.
The Commanders issued a short statement. It said the team is parting ways with Steele and will have no further comment.
Steele is a former NFL tight end. He played for several teams during his career as a player. He later moved into coaching roles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, and Cardinals before arriving in Washington.
The firing comes days before the start of training camp. Veterans are scheduled to report on Tuesday. The Commanders are preparing for the 2026 season under head coach Dan Quinn.
Reports linked the decision to a team policy violation. Virginia court records show Steele was arrested on June 7 on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Additional charges included refusing a test and resisting an officer. The team did not connect the firing to those events in its public statement.
Steele’s profile was removed from the Commanders website following the announcement. The team has not named a replacement for the tight ends coaching position.
The Commanders made several coaching changes during the offseason. Steele was brought in to work with the tight ends group as part of the offensive staff led by coordinator David Blough.
The move leaves the tight ends room without its planned coach as the team begins practice preparations.