The Washington Commanders made an unexpected coaching change just before the start of training camp. On Monday morning, the organization announced it had parted ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele without providing any explanation.
While the team’s statement offered few details, court records appear to shed light on what led to the sudden decision.
Commanders Make Abrupt Coaching Change
The Commanders announced Steele’s departure through the team’s official Twitter account.
“We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele. The team will have no further comment at this time.”
The brief statement immediately sparked speculation because the team declined to explain why Steele was no longer with the organization. By the time the announcement was made, Steele’s biography had already been removed from the Commanders’ official website.
Court Records Reveal DUI Charges
According to Virginia Public Case records, Steele was arrested on June 7 and charged with driving under the influence. He also faces charges for resisting arrest, refusing to submit to a blood or breath test, and improperly changing course after signaling a lane change.
While the Commanders have not confirmed those charges were the reason for Steele’s dismissal, the timing has drawn obvious attention following Monday’s announcement.
Steele Previously Coached in Tampa Bay
Before joining Washington, Steele spent five seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He served as an offensive quality control coach before later becoming the team’s tight ends coach from 2014 through 2018.
After leaving Tampa Bay, Steele continued climbing the coaching ranks around the NFL. He spent the previous three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, helping develop Trey McBride into one of the league’s top tight ends and an All-Pro selection.
The Commanders hired Steele on March 2, making his tenure with the organization one of the shortest of any NFL assistant this offseason.
Summary
Ben Steele’s time with the Commanders ended before it ever truly began. Although Washington hasn’t explained the decision, the former Buccaneers assistant’s reported June arrest came weeks before the team announced his dismissal. With training camp now underway, the Commanders will move forward with a new voice coaching their tight ends.
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