Washington Commanders fire tight ends coach Ben Steele after DWI arrest

Washington Commanders Ben Steele DWI arrest firing tight ends coach

The Washington Commanders announced on July 27, 2026 that tight ends coach Ben Steele had been dismissed. The team issued a brief statement: “We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele. The team will have no further comment at this time.” Steele was arrested on June 7 in Loudoun County, Virginia, on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and faced additional charges for refusing a breath or blood test and for obstructing or resisting an officer without force. After informing the organization, he was placed on paid/administrative leave and subsequently fired for violating team policy. Head coach Dan Quinn is expected to name a replacement, while offensive assistant Wes Welker assumed tight‑ends duties during minicamp. Steele had been hired in February after three seasons as the Arizona Cardinals’ tight ends coach and a long career that included stints with several NFL teams.

Entities: Ben Steele · Dan Quinn · Virginia · Washington Commanders · Wes Welker

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 3 SOURCES] Steele faced charges of refusing a chemical/breath test and obstructing/resisting arrest.
[● 2 SOURCES] Steele previously coached for the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
[● 3 SOURCES] Ben Steele was arrested in early June on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in Virginia.
[● 2 SOURCES] Steele was placed on administrative leave before being fired.
[● 3 SOURCES] Washington Commanders fired tight ends coach Ben Steele.
[● 2 SOURCES] Wes Welker coached the tight ends during mandatory minicamp while Steele was on leave.
[○ 1 SOURCE] The NFL declined to comment on the firing.
[○ 1 SOURCE] A hearing for Steele's case is scheduled for August 13.