Commanders part ways with TE coach Steele following DWI arrest
by Liam Griffin · The Washington TimesThe Washington Commanders announced Monday that they were “parting ways” with tight ends coach Ben Steele, who joined the franchise in March.
Team officials did not provide a reason for the firing and noted that there would be no further clarification.
Authorities in Loudoun County arrested Steele on June 7, according to records from the Loudoun General District Court. He is charged with obstructing justice or resisting without force and driving while intoxicated. He also faces a civil violation for refusing a blood or breath test, the records showed.
Steele was initially arraigned in July. His next court date is scheduled for Aug. 13.
Commanders officials did not specify whether Steele’s arrest was related to Monday’s decision.
The Commanders hired Steele this offseason after promoting former tight ends coach David Raih to pass game coordinator. Steele had a brief NFL playing career that included time with the Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings.
The 48-year-old started his coaching career in 2008 with Colorado Mesa. He worked his way into the NFL, featuring stints as a tight ends coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. The Colorado native spent the last three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, where tight end Trey McBride blossomed into a Pro Bowler under Steele’s tutelage.
The Commanders’ rookies reported to training camp last week. The veterans report to the team facility in Ashburn, Virginia, on Tuesday. Commanders coach Dan Quinn will likely announce a replacement tight ends coach when he addresses the media on Tuesday.
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Liam Griffin
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