The bears have hired a new defensive coordinator!!!
According to sources reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Chicago Bears are in the process of hiring Eric Washington, the assistant head coach and defensive line coach of the Buffalo Bills, as their new defensive coordinator. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus will continue to handle defensive play-calling duties.
Eric Washington joined the Bills in 2020 as their defensive line coach and earned the title of assistant head coach in 2023 after previously serving as a senior defensive assistant in 2022.
This marks Washington's second stint in Chicago; he previously worked as a defensive assistant in 2008 and later became the defensive line coach in 2010. In 2011, he accepted a similar position with the Carolina Panthers.
At 54 years old, Washington will aim to build on the defensive success the Bears enjoyed during the latter part of the 2023 season. Chicago's defense ranked third in terms of EPA/play allowed from Weeks 12 to 18, as per Ben Baldwin's database. Notably, they kept opposing teams from scoring more than 21 points in their final six games of the season.
The Bears face challenges with key defensive players approaching free agency, including standout cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who was the highest-graded defensive back according to PFF in 2023. Johnson has expressed his desire to become the NFL's highest-paid cornerback during this offseason.
| POLL | ||
27 JANVIER | 73 ANSWERS The bears have hired a new defensive coordinator!!! Are you happy about the Washington hire? | ||
| yes | 55 | 75.3 % |
| No | 18 | 24.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
