NFL Coach Abruptly Fired Before Training Camp Following Arrest

This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

The Washington Commanders have made a coaching change just days before training camp. The organization announced Monday that it has parted ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele following his arrest on suspicion of driving while impaired in June.

“We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele,” the team said in a brief statement. “The team will have no further comment at this time.”

According to court records, Steele was arrested in North Carolina on charges of driving while impaired and refusing a chemical test. His next scheduled court appearance is Aug. 13.

Multiple reports stated that Steele informed the Commanders about the arrest shortly after it occurred. The team then placed him on administrative leave while it evaluated the situation.

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Steele joined Washington’s coaching staff in February after spending the previous three seasons as the Arizona Cardinals’ tight ends coach. During his tenure in Arizona, he helped oversee the development of Pro Bowl tight end Trey McBride, who has blossomed into one of the NFL’s top players at his position.

Before beginning his coaching career, Steele played briefly in the NFL. The former tight end entered the league as an undrafted free agent and appeared in games for the Green Bay Packers during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.

According to The Athletic, head coach Dan Quinn is expected to announce Steele’s replacement before the Commanders hold their first training camp practice.

The timing leaves Washington little room to adjust before preparations for the 2026 season begin. The Commanders are scheduled to open the regular season on Sept. 13 against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Steele’s criminal case remains pending, and the allegations against him have not been resolved in court. The Commanders have not provided additional details regarding the decision beyond Monday’s statement.