NFL coach fired two days before camp in mysterious circumstances after short statement
NFL coach fired two days before camp in mysterious circumstances after short statement
Matthew Neschis Mon, July 27, 2026 at 6:07 PM UTC
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Tight ends coach Ben Steele has been fired by the Washington Commanders -Credit:Getty Images
The Washington Commanders revealed that they’d parted ways with one of their coaches less than 48 hours before the start of training camp.
Taking to social media on Monday, the Commanders announced that tight ends coach Ben Steele was relieved of his duties, effective immediately. “We are parting ways with tight ends coach Ben Steele,” the short statement read. “The team will have no further comment at this time.”
According to The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala, Steele was let go by the Commanders “due to violation of team policy.” Per Virginia Public Case records, Steele was similarly arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated on June 7. He also faces charges for obstructing or resisting an officer without force and refusing to take a blood or breath test. It comes after a history-making NFL player was deported by ICE and called a "dangerous individual".
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The three charges are classified as class 1 misdemeanors in Virginia, with a first-time DWI carrying penalties of up to 12 months in jail, fines ranging from $250 to $2,500 and a one-year driver's license suspension.
Upon informing the Commanders of his legal trouble, Steele was promptly placed on leave, with the team reporting his arrest to NFL top brass. During his absence, offensive assistant and former wide receiver Wes Welker filled in as Washington’s tight ends coach during minicamp.
Before pursuing a career in coaching, Steele played for six different NFL teams across six seasons in the league from 2001 to 2006. He additionally suited up for the Frankfurt Galaxy in NFL Europe.
Ben Steele served as Cardinals tight ends coach for three seasons before joining the Commanders in March -Credit:Getty Images
Steele was officially hired by the Commanders on March 2 after serving as the Cardinals tight ends coach for the prior three seasons. While in Arizona, he helped mold Trey McBride into one of the best players at his position.
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Under Steele’s tutelage, McBride shattered the NFL single-season receptions record for tight ends during the 2025 campaign, reeling in 126 catches for 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns en route to being named a first-team All-Pro.
As Cardinals players participated in stretch lines at the start of each practice last season, Steele frequently walked past McBride and told him: "The great ones show up every day."
Speaking to ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss last January, Steele heaped praise on McBride while highlighting his strengths in the run game and pass game.
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"He's a complete tight end, which to me that's what a tight end does," Steele said of McBride. "They're not just slow receivers. If you don't block, you're just a slow receiver.
“So, he runs through people's face and he blocks people at the point of attack and most of the guys that get voted to the Pro Bowl, they don't do that.
"They're slow receivers in my opinion, and that's my personal opinion."
It comes as Kyle Shanahan's lingering health issue after his horror car crash was exposed.
Source: “AOL Sports”
