For the first time in months, Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus will have a separate defensive coordinator on his staff.
The Bears have announced that they have appointed Eric Washington, who was previously an assistant head coach and defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills, as their new DC. Washington previously worked with the Bears from 2008-10 under Lovie Smith and served as the defensive line coach in 2010 under defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli, who mentored Eberflus.
Washington has been coaching the Bills defensive line since 2020, and he 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 from 2018-19 under Ron Rivera. Before that, he coached the Panthers defensive line for seven seasons.
In 2023, the Bills defense performed well, ranking 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.
Sources consider Washington to be a strong teacher and leader who focuses on fundamentals. They believe he will provide schematic help to the coaching staff.
In a statement on Saturday, Eberflus described Washington as a great communicator with elite leadership skills. He believes Washington's experience as a coordinator and expertise in defensive line will enhance the current defensive staff.
In September, Eberflus did not fill the defensive coordinator position when Alan Williams resigned due to conduct-related reasons. However, Eberflus did add senior defensive analyst Phil Snow to help scout opponents. Eberflus took over play calling and, with the addition of defensive end Montez Sweat, helped the defense improve from a rough start.
Eberflus mentioned earlier this month that he was still deciding whether he would continue to call plays after appointing a coordinator. However, the NFL Network reported that Eberflus is expected to remain in that role.
Eberflus expressed his love for the play calling role earlier this month. He stated that they will keep all options open while discussing candidates.
Washington will help lessen the workload for Eberflus, who mentioned during the season that he was working late nights to handle both roles. He was looking for a coordinator with a strong character and motivational skills who could lead the defensive room while Eberflus focused on other areas of the team.
In a statement, Washington expressed his excitement about returning to the Chicago Bears with his family. He feels honored to contribute to such a esteemed sports organization.
While the Bears let go of five offensive coaches, including coordinator Luke Getsy, after their 7-10 season ended, Eberflus chose to maintain the defensive staff. Washington is now part of the 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 finished in 12th place, allowing an average of 324.2 yards per game, and had the best rushing defense, allowing only 86.4 yards per game on the ground. They also had the best interception rate in the league, with 3.57%, after getting 22 interceptions and six fumble-recovery takeaways.
Their defense against passing, ranked 25th, allowing 237.8 yards per game, and their sack rate, which was the worst in the league at 4.86%, needs improvement.
Washington is joining a group that the Bears hope is getting better. He played as a tight end at Grambling State and also coached the 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 and defensive line coach 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.
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