The Chicago Bears filled their other coordinator spot.
“The #Bears hired Eric Washington as their defensive coordinator, per source,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on January 27.
“Matt Eberflus will continue to call plays in Chicago. But this is a big hire with the highly regarded Washington, 54, who is entering his 17th season as an NFL assistant and second stint in Chicago.”
“My family and I are beyond excited to be returning to the Chicago Bears,” Washington said, per Larry Mayer of ChicagoBears.com on January 27. “It is humbling to have the opportunity to contribute to one of the most esteemed sports organizations in the world! I thank God and I appreciate Coach Eberflus, the Bears front office, and the McCaskey family for entrusting me with this responsibility.”
Bears Add Bills Asst. HC Eric Washington as Defensive Coordinator
Who is Eric Washington?
Washington spent three seasons in Chicago, first as the Bears’ assistant defensive line coach and then as defensive line coach under former Bears head coach Lovie Smith.
Before that, the 54-year-old Shreveport, Louisiana native spent eight seasons in the college ranks, including four years with Northwestern, mostly working with the defensive line. After Chicago, Washington spent nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers.
His final two seasons with Carolina were as defensive coordinator under former Panthers head coach (and Bears defensive coordinator under Smith) Ron Rivera.
Those teams ranked 19th in yards and 25th in points on average.
Washington spent the last four seasons with the Buffalo Bills. He again worked closest with the defensive line. But he added the title of Assistant Head Coach – Defense this past season. The Bills have the eighth-most sacks over the last four years and the fourth-most in 2023.
The most encouraging part of the hire could be what it means for the development of second-year defensive tackles Gervon Dexter Sr. and Zacch Pickens.
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Next Steps for Bears Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington
Having worked with three former defensive-minded head coaches in the NFL, Washington is likely comfortable at least having input on the gameplan and play-calling. His experience as Assistant Head Coach should help with some of the CEO-like aspects of the Head Coaching position as well.
As it was for offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, the Bears retained several position coaches before hiring Washington.
Cornerbacks/Passing Game Coordinator Jon Hoke, Defensive Line Coach Travis Smith, Linebackers Coach Dave Borgonzi, Safeties Coach Andre Curtis, as well as several assistant coaches are back for 2024.
Bears Hire New QB Coach
While the Bears retained Offensive Line Coach Chris Morgan and Tight Ends Coach Jim Dray, they brought in former Seahawks Assistant Quarterbacks Coach Kerry Joseph to be their new Quarterbacks Coach.
Joseph also comes highly regarded and was an accomplished quarterback in the CFL.
He played with a style that closely resembled Justin Fields and Caleb Williams, the most likely options for Bears starting quarterback at this juncture.