The Washington Commanders began the week with some surprising coaching news; they were moving on from first-year tight ends coach Ben Steele. Steele was arrested last month on a DWI charge and had initially been placed on leave.
It didn't take long to realize who'd replace Steele. Legendary former NFL wide receiver Wes Welker, a five-time Pro Bowl selection as a player, was already on Washington's staff as an offensive assistant. Before arriving in Washington, Welker served as the wide receivers coach for the 49ers and Dolphins, and worked with the tight ends during minicamp last month while Steele was on leave.
On Tuesday, one day before the Commanders begin training camp, head coach Dan Quinn confirmed the move.
"Wes Welker will be working with
the tight ends, and that's how we'll proceed forward," Quinn said.
Will there be an official title change for Welker?
"He's going to work with the tight ends," Quinn reiterated. "We haven't discussed it all the way through yet, but that's where we're headed into that space. He's working with the tight ends moving forward here."
While Quinn didn't give a definitive yes on whether Welker would also receive a new title, it appears to be a mere formality at this point.
Welker has been with the Commanders since 2024, is well-liked by the players and the coaching staff and has already been working with the tight ends. For most teams, moving on from a position coach just before camp opened would cause panic. Fortunately for Washington, it already had an accomplished coach and former player on staff.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders promote NFL legend to fill void as new tight ends coach
