Ben Steele
Tight Ends coach, Washington Commanders (WAS) — FIRED July 27, 2026.
Quick Facts
- Role: Tight Ends
- Team: Washington Commanders (WAS)
- NFL experience: Not listed
- Reports to: Dan Quinn (Head Coach)
- Coaching tree: see Coaching Trees
Background
Ben Steele enters his first season with Washington after serving as tight ends coach for the Arizona Cardinals for the past three seasons. During his tenure in Arizona, Steele mentored TE Trey McBride, who set a new NFL single-season receptions record for a tight end with 126 receptions in 2025 while also leading the league in receiving yards (1,239); McBride earned back-to-back Pro Bowl selections under Steele. He previously served as assistant offensive line coach for the Minnesota Vikings (2021) and Denver Broncos (2022), and as offensive assistant/tight ends coach for the Atlanta Falcons (2019-20) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2014-18). As a player, Steele was a member of the Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans.
July 27 Firing
Steele was fired by the Commanders just days before the team opened training camp on Wednesday, July 30. According to The Athletic, the firing stemmed from a violation of team policy. Virginia court records show Steele was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated on June 7. He also faced additional charges for refusing a blood or breath test and obstructing or resisting an officer without force. The Commanders placed Steele on leave after he informed the team of his arrest, and the team notified the NFL. Offensive assistant Wes Welker coached the tight ends during minicamp in Steele's absence. Head coach Dan Quinn announced the firing Monday (July 28) and was expected to name Steele's replacement Tuesday. (per Commanders fire tight ends coach Ben Steele just days before training camp - CBS Sports)
Scheme & Fantasy Angle
Steele coached the tight ends during his tenure with Arizona, developing Trey McBride into a record-setting, every-down receiving tight end and earning the NFL's receptions record for a TE (126 in 2025). His Arizona track record would have borne on the fantasy outlook for Washington's tight end room had he remained, but his July 27 firing removes him from the 2026 coaching staff.