CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears hired Eric Washington as their defensive coordinator, a source confirmed to ESPN. Washington, 54, fills the vacancy that was created by Alan Williams' resignation ahead of Week 2 last season.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus took over defensive playcalling duties and is expected to continue calling Chicago's defense in 2024.
Washington has spent 20 seasons as an NFL coach, including the past four with Buffalo. He comes to Chicago after serving as the Bills' assistant head coach and defensive line coach during the 2023 season.
Buffalo's defense allowed the fourth-fewest points (18.7) per game and generated the fourth-most sacks (54) in 2023. Washington is the third addition to the Bears' coaching staff this week after Chicago hired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph.