After not having a separate defensive coordinator since September, Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus will now have one on his staff.
The Bears recently announced the hiring of Eric Washington, previously from the Buffalo Bills, as their new DC. Eric Washington, who coached with the Bears from 2008-10, has been appointed as the new defensive coordinator. He has experience as the defensive line coach.
Eric Washington has been coaching the Bills defensive line since 2020 and has prior experience as a defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers. The Bills defense had a strong performance in 2023.
The Bills defense achieved top 10 rankings in various categories in 2023, such as total yards and passing yards allowed per game, sack rate, interception rate, and points allowed per game.
Washington is recognized as a skilled teacher and leader who is focused on fundamentals and will provide valuable input to the coaching staff.
“He has excellent leadership skills and will improve our current defensive staff,” Eberflus stated. “His experience as a coordinator and expertise in defensive line are evident from his track record.”
When Alan Williams resigned in September for conduct-related reasons, the defensive coordinator position was left unfilled by Eberflus. However, Eberflus did bring in senior defensive analyst Phil Snow and added defensive end Montez Sweat to help improve the defense's performance. In September, Alan Williams resigned for conduct-related reasons, but Eberflus added senior defensive analyst Phil Snow to help scout opponents. Eberflus also brought in senior defensive analyst Phil Snow to help scout opponents after Alan Williams resigned for conduct-related reasons in September. In addition, Eberflus added defensive analyst Phil Snow to aid in scouting opponents. Eberflus also added defensive end Montez Sweat to the team to assist in turning around the defense's performance after Alan Williams resigned.Eberflus, with the addition of defensive end Montez Sweat, helped the defense improve from a rough start.
This month, Eberflus mentioned that he was still considering whether he would continue to call plays after hiring a coordinator, but it is expected that he will remain in that role, according to NFL Network.
“I love doing it,” Eberflus stated this month. “But as we talk to these candidates, we’re going to keep everything open right now.”
Washington will help ease the load for Eberflus, who mentioned during the season that he was working late nights to manage both roles. He sought a coordinator with high character and strong motivational skills.
“My family and I are extremely excited to return to the Chicago Bears,” Washington expressed in a statement. “It's a great honor to contribute to such a respected sports organization.”
While the Bears dismissed five offensive coaches at the end of their 7-10 season, Eberflus chose to retain the defensive staff. Washington now joins the existing defensive staff.
The Bears ended up in 12th place by allowing 324.2 yards per game and had the best rushing defense, only allowing 86.4 yards per game on the ground. They also finished with the best interception rate of 3.57% after making 22 interceptions and six fumble recoveries.
Their defense against passing, which was ranked 25th by allowing 237.8 yards per game, and their league-worst 4.86% sack rate need to get better.
Washington becomes part of the Bears with hope for improvement. 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 third major hire for the Bears since the end of the season. 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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