The Bears have appointed Eric Washington as their defensive coordinator.
We have hired Eric Washington as our Defensive Coordinator.
Welcome back to Chicago, Coach! 🐻⬇️
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 27, 2024
Eric (54) will replace Alan Williams, who resigned ahead of Week 2 of last campaign. Chicago manager Matt Eberflus took over defensive play-calling duties and is expected to continue to do so in the upcoming season.
The new defensive coordinator has spent 20 campaigns as a National Football League coach, including the last 4 with the Bills. Washington comes to the Bears after being Buffalo’s assistant head coach and defensive line coach during the past campaign. Bills’ defense allowed the 4th-fewest points per match and had the 4th-most sacks in the past campaign.
Eric is the 3rd addition to Chicago’s coaching staff in the last few days after the Bears appointed OC Shane Waldron and QB coach Kerry Joseph.
This will be Eric’s 2nd period with Chicago. Washington previously worked under Lovie Smith as a defensive assistant from 2008 to 2009 and managed the Bears’ defensive line in the next year.