COMMANDERS DISMISS TIGHT ENDS COACH BEN STEELE FOR POLICY VIOLATION

The Washington Commanders dismissed tight ends coach Ben Steele on Monday, the team announced without providing details. According to reports, Steele was dismissed for violating team policy. The Commanders stated they would share no further information about the decision. A replacement coach is expected to be named on Tuesday, when the full squad reports to training camp.

Steele was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated on 7 June in Loudoun County, Virginia, according to court records. He was additionally charged with obstruction or resisting an officer without force for refusing to take a blood or breath test at the scene. Steele notified the Commanders of the arrest, and the team reported it to the National Football League. He was placed on paid leave following the incident. Steele was hired by Washington in February after three seasons as tight ends coach with the Arizona Cardinals under Jonathan Gannon.

Before joining Arizona, Steele held assistant coaching positions with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos in various offensive roles. During his dismissal, offensive assistant Wes Welker worked with the tight ends at minicamp. Steele played six seasons in the National Football League as an undrafted free agent, including two seasons on the regular roster with the Green Bay Packers in 2004 and 2005, recording four receptions for 42 yards across 17 games.