Commanders fire tight ends coach Ben Steele just days before training camp - CBS Sports

What the report says

CBS Sports reported that the Washington Commanders fired tight ends coach Ben Steele on Monday, just before the team was scheduled to open training camp. The club issued a brief statement saying it had parted ways with Steele and would not comment further. CBS Sports said head coach Dan Quinn was expected to name a replacement Tuesday, with camp beginning Wednesday.

According to the report, the team did not give a reason for the dismissal. CBS Sports cited The Athletic as reporting that Steele’s departure was tied to a team policy violation. The article also said Virginia court records show Steele was arrested June 7 on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, with additional charges listed for refusing a blood or breath test and obstructing or resisting an officer without force. The Athletic reported, according to CBS Sports, that Steele was placed on leave after informing the Commanders of the arrest and that the team notified the NFL.

Steele, 48, had been entering his first season in Washington after three years as the Arizona Cardinals’ tight ends coach. CBS Sports noted his recent work with Trey McBride, who had 126 catches in 2025, and summarized Steele’s earlier NFL coaching stops with the Broncos, Vikings, Buccaneers and Falcons. Offensive assistant Wes Welker reportedly handled tight ends during minicamp while Steele was away.

The move comes during a broader reshaping of Washington’s staff after a 5-12 season. CBS Sports reported that Quinn also changed coordinators, with David Blough taking over the offense and Daronte Jones replacing Joe Whitt Jr. on defense.