Bears hire Eric Washington as defensive coordinator

The Chicago Bears have hired former Buffalo Bills defensive line and assistant head coach Eric Washington to be their new defensive coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Washington joins Chicago after three years in Buffalo, first as the defensive line coach before being promoted to Senior Defensive Assistant in 2022 and to Assistant Head Coach in 2023.

This marks Washington’s second stint in Chicago. From 2008 to 2010, he worked with Lovie Smith as a defensive assistant and defensive line coach for the Bears.

This is widely considered to be a good move for the Bears. Washington is highly thought of around the league, and he’s produced some excellent defensive lines wherever he’s been, particularly in the last few years with Buffalo’s fearsome defensive front.

According to Pelissero, head coach Matt Eberflus will remain the Chicago Bears’ defensive play caller, but that was to be expected.

With the hires of Shane Waldron and Eric Washington, Chicago has now filled both of their vacant coordinator jobs and can focus on filling out the rest of the coaching staff.