The Washington Commanders announced Monday that they have parted ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele.
“We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele. The team will have no further comment at this time,” the team said in a statement posted on X Monday morning.
Steele was just hired in February to replace David Raih, who was promoted to pass game coordinator under new OC David Blough, but we have potential reason for the dismissal: Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reported Monday that according to Virginia police records, Steele was arrested on June 5 for suspicion of DUI, and he faces additional charges for refusing a blood/breath test and obstructing or resisting an officer without force.
Per Jhabvala, Steele was put on leave after he informed the Commanders of the arrest – which explains Wes Welker coaching the tight ends in later portions of minicamp – and they reported it to the league, with Steele officially let go due to ‘violation of team policy.’
Jhabvala and our own JP Finlay both also report that Dan Quinn is likely to address the situation briefly in his camp-opening presser, where he is also likely to name Steele’s replacement.
