The Washington Commanders have fired tight ends coach Ben Steele, the team announced Monday. Steele, hired in February, was let go after an arrest last month on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Virginia court records indicate Steele faces additional charges including refusing a blood or breath test, obstructing or resisting an officer without force, and changing course without signaling. According to The Athletic, Steele was placed on leave after the Commanders were notified of the arrest. His termination is reportedly due to a violation of team policy.
Steele, 48, had previously spent three seasons as the tight ends coach for the Arizona Cardinals. Prior to his time in Arizona, he served as an assistant offensive line coach for the Denver Broncos and Minnesota Vikings, and also coached tight ends for the Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
During his tenure with the Cardinals, tight end Trey McBride developed into a prominent receiver, accumulating over 1,100 yards in his last two seasons. In Washington, Steele would have been responsible for coaching players like Chig Okonkwo, John Bates, and Ben Sinnott.
Former receiver Wes Welker coached the tight ends on an interim basis during minicamp while Steele was on leave. The team is expected to name a replacement for Steele on Tuesday. Commanders training camp is scheduled to begin on Wednesday. The team opens its season on September 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles.