Ben Steele Joins Washington Commanders as Tight Ends Coach

The Washington Commanders have added a proven developer of tight ends to their staff, hiring Ben Steele as their new tight ends coach. Steele, known for his work with Trey McBride in Arizona, will oversee the position group amid a transitional period for Washington’s offense.

Steele had been a free agent since the Arizona Cardinals parted ways with Jonathan Gannon in January. NFL insider Tom Pelissero confirmed the agreement with the Commanders, marking the next chapter in Steele’s coaching career.

During his time in Arizona, Steele joined Gannon’s staff ahead of McBride’s second NFL season. Under Steele’s guidance, McBride’s receiving production surged from 265 yards as a rookie to 825 in his second year, culminating in a 1,146-yard breakout season in 2024.

Steele will replace David Raih, who had overseen the tight ends since 2024 before his recent promotion to pass game coordinator. Washington’s hiring signals the team’s intent to strengthen a group in need of development, particularly in the passing game.

1. Coaching Background and Experience

Ben Steele brings a diverse NFL resume to Washington. Prior to Arizona, he served as tight ends coach for both the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also has experience as an offensive line coach with the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, providing him with a broad understanding of offensive schematics. Steele’s work with Trey McBride in Arizona drew league-wide attention. By emphasizing route precision, blocking fundamentals, and situational awareness, Steele helped elevate McBride from a promising rookie to a top receiving threat in just three seasons. His coaching philosophy focuses on versatility, teaching tight ends to contribute in both the passing and running game. This approach aligns with the Commanders’ current roster needs and could accelerate the development of younger players. Steele’s experience across multiple organizations demonstrates adaptability and a history of improving underperforming units. Washington’s tight end room stands to benefit immediately from his expertise and NFL-level teaching methods.

2. Transition in Washington’s Tight End Room

Steele inherits a tight end group in flux. Veteran Zach Ertz remains on the roster but is recovering from an ACL injury. While Washington has not fully committed to replacing Ertz, the team intends to add another veteran presence in free agency to complement its aging captain. The group also includes third-year player Ben Sinnott and blocking specialist John Bates. Both have yet to contribute significantly in the passing game, highlighting an opportunity for Steele to cultivate emerging talent. Steele’s track record suggests he could help Sinnott and Bates expand their roles, particularly as complementary targets in the short and intermediate passing game. His teaching could also maximize Ertz’s return by balancing veteran experience with developmental players. The Commanders’ investment in Steele underscores a broader effort to modernize their offensive approach and ensure continuity at a position critical to both blocking schemes and red-zone production.

3. Impact and Expectations

Expectations for Steele in Washington are high, given his success in Arizona. His ability to elevate McBride from a second-year player into a 1,100-yard receiver demonstrates his capacity to develop talent quickly and effectively. Steele’s coaching could influence scheme design as well, enabling the Commanders to incorporate tight ends in creative passing concepts and multi-level blocking strategies. His presence may help bridge the gap between a recovering veteran and younger, less experienced teammates. The hire also aligns with head coach Dan Quinn’s vision of building a balanced, adaptable offense capable of leveraging tight ends as both blockers and dynamic receiving threats. If Steele can replicate his Arizona success, the Commanders’ tight end room could evolve into one of the most productive units in the league, providing stability and depth in a position that has been inconsistent in recent seasons.