The Chicago Bears have found their new defensive coordinator.
Chicago has hired former Buffalo Bills defensive line coach and assistant head coach Eric Washington as their new defensive coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Washington actually got his NFL coaching start with the Bears as a defensive assistant (2008-09) and later defensive line coach (2010). He also served as a defensive line coach with the Carolina Panthers (2011-17) and then defensive coordinator with the Panthers from 2018-19. Washington’s latest stop comes with Buffalo, where he’s served as defensive line coach since 2020 while also receiving promotions to senior defensive assistant (2022) and later assistant head coach (2023).
The #Bears hired Eric Washington as their defensive coordinator, per source. pic.twitter.com/j1C9glprN5
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 27, 2024
The Bears had been without a defensive coordinator since Alan Williams resigned under mysterious circumstances in Week 3 of last season. Head coach Matt Eberflus took over play-calling duties and helped get the defense on track in the second half of the season. Eberflus said he’ll be once again be calling plays in 2024.
Given Washington served as an assistant head coach in Buffalo, you have to wonder if he could serve a similar role in Chicago.
During their search for defensive coordinator, the Bears also interviewed Tennessee Titans defensive pass game coordinator and cornerbacks coach Chris Harris, Titans assistant head coach and defensive line coach Terrell Williams for the vacancy.