Commanders tap former NFL great to fill in for fired tight ends coach

ASHBURN, Va. — The Commanders are tapping a former All-Pro to fill in for fired tight ends coach Ben Steele.

Offensive assistant Wes Welker, who played for the New England Patriots and has been on Washington’s staff since 2025, will assume coaching the position a day before training camp begins.

Welker’s title is still being discussed.

“It was the best decision for us at this time,” head coach Dan Quinn said. “Wes Walker will be working with the tight ends.”

Steele was fired on Monday after he was charged with driving while intoxicated on June 7. Steele is facing three misdemeanor charges in Virginia — including a DWI, refusing a breath or blood test and resisting arrest.

A hearing is scheduled Aug. 13 in Loudoun County District Court.

Steele was just hired in March to join new offensive coordinator David Blough’s staff. Welker was a holdover from the last offensive staff, serving as a personnel analyst.

Welker has coached in the NFL since 2017. He bounced around as a position coach in San Francisco and Miami. He rose to fame playing with Tom Brady and the Patriots from 2007 to 2012, going to five Pro Bowls in that span and leading the league in receptions in three seasons.

“A lot of thought was put into that decision [to fire Steele]. It’s just unfortunate,” general manager Adam Peters said.

Washington opens training camp on Wednesday and plays its first preseason game in two weeks on Aug. 14 against Miami.