Commanders dismiss tight ends coach Ben Steele after DWI arrest
Washington terminated new tight ends coach Ben Steele days before training camp following his June 7 arrest on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Washington announced Monday that it had part ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele, adding that it would "have no further comment at this time." The team did not specify the reason for the dismissal, but reports indicate it followed a violation of team policy after Steele was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated on June 7. Court records show he also faces charges for refusing a blood or breath test and for obstructing an officer.
The Commanders placed Steele on leave after he informed the organization of his arrest and notified the NFL. Offensive assistant Wes Welker assumed tight-ends coaching duties during minicamp, and head coach Dan Quinn is expected to name a replacement on Tuesday.
Steele, 48, was entering his first season with Washington after three years as the Arizona Cardinals' tight ends coach, where he helped Trey McBride set a NFL record with 126 receptions in a season. His résumé also includes stints as an assistant offensive line coach with the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings, and earlier tight-ends coaching roles with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. A former undrafted tight end, Steele played 17 games for the Green Bay Packers in 2004-05.