Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus will have a separate defensive coordinator on his staff for the first time since September.
On Saturday, the Bears announced the hiring of Eric Washington, who was previously the assistant head coach and defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills, as their new DC. Before joining the Bears, Washington coached with the team from 2008-2010 and served as the defensive line coach in 2010 under Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, who is a mentor to Eberflus.
Washington has been coaching the Bills defensive line since 2020 and was promoted to senior defensive assistant in 2022 and assistant head coach in 2023. He has two years of experience as a defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers in 2018-2019 under Ron Rivera, and prior to that, he coached the Panthers defensive line for seven seasons.
In 2023, the Bills defense ranked in the top 10 in various categories, including total yards and passing yards allowed per game, sack rate, interception rate, and points allowed per game.
A source described Washington as a strong teacher and leader who is focused on fundamentals and will be able to support the coaching staff tactically.
Eberflus stated that Washington is a great communicator with elite leadership skills and will enhance their current defensive staff. He emphasized Washington's track record as a coordinator and expertise in the area of defensive line.
In September, Eberflus did not fill the defensive coordinator position when Alan Williams resigned for conduct-related reasons, but Eberflus did add senior defensive analyst Phil Snow to help scout opponents, and with the addition of defensive end Montez Sweat, the defense improved after a rough start.
Eberflus stated this month that he was still deciding whether he would continue to call plays after bringing in a coordinator, but according to NFL Network, it is expected that Eberflus will remain in that role.
Eberflus expressed his love for calling plays but indicated that they will keep their options open while speaking to potential candidates.
Washington will help reduce the workload for Eberflus, who mentioned during the season that he was working late nights to fulfill both roles. Eberflus emphasized the need for a coordinator with high character and strong motivation, someone who could lead the defensive room while Eberflus focuses on other areas of the team.
In a statement, Washington expressed his excitement about returning to the Chicago Bears and his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the organization.
While the Bears fired five offensive coaches, including coordinator Luke Getsy, after their 7-10 season, Eberflus chose to retain the defensive staff. Washington joins a group that includes cornerbacks coach/defensive passing game coordinator Jon Hoke, defensive line coach Travis Smith, linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi, and safeties coach Andre Curtis.
The Bears ended up in 12th place, allowing an average of 324.2 yards per game, and they had the best rushing defense, allowing only 86.4 yards per game. They also had the best interception rate in the league at 3.57%, with 22 interceptions and six fumble recoveries.
Their defense against passing was ranked 25th, allowing 237.8 yards per game, and they have the worst sack rate in the league at 4.86%, which needs improvement., ranked 25th with 237.8 yards allowed per game, and their league-worst 4.86% sack rate need improvement.
Washington is joining a group that the Bears hope is getting better. He played tight end at Grambling State and coached defensive line at Northwestern (2004-07) and Ohio (2001-03).
The Bears reportedly interviewed at least three other coaches to join their defensive staff: former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry, Tennessee Titans assistant head coach/defensive line Terrell Williams, and Titans defensive pass game coordinator Chris Harris.
Washington will be the Bears’ third major hire since the season ended. They have announced the additions of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph. They still need to hire running backs and wide receivers coaches.
()
