LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — A smile went across the face of first-year Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington as he thought of the unit that he's now leading.
“It’s one thing to sit in the room and review all of the film from last season,” Washington said Saturday morning. “And I had a chance to do that very briefly before I addressed this group the first time. Now, to have gone through that process and now you're actually out on the field with the guys, the group, I'm just really excited about working with this group. They're smart. They're a very smart group. You can feel the experience. They understand our defensive package. They understand the detail of our package.
"I believe our rushers are a year better in terms of where we were last year and some of the things we're going to do to enhance that group. Our back seven, I think they're as good of a group as there is in the NFL.”
Washington was hired in January as Bears head coach Matt Eberflus' new top defensive lieutenant, filling a role that was vacated by Alan Williams' sudden resignation last September.
A defensive-minded head coach, Eberflus plans to continue calling the defensive plays in 2024, a role he took on following Williams’ abrupt departure. Washington’s job is to help oversee the defense and ensure it continues to rise.
The Bears have high hopes for their defense after it improved in the second half of the 2023 season. That rise coincided with the Bears' trade acquisition of Pro Bowl pass rusher Montez Sweat in late October, as he helped the entire unit grow. Chicago won five of its final eight games and forced three or more turnovers in a contest five times in that span.
While there has been plenty of focus on the Bears’ changes on offense this offseason – rightfully so – the continuity of the defense could be a key part of the team’s success.
The Bears return nearly their entire starting defensive core from last season, with the one notable addition being the signing of two-time All-Pro safety Kevin Byard. The group boasts standouts like Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, linebacker T.J. Edwards and Sweat up front.
“Excited about this defense and just excited about the prospect of what we can build with this team,” Byard said in March after signing a two-year deal with Chicago.
Washington is in his second stint as a defensive coordinator after previously filling that role under then-Panthers head coach Ron Rivera in 2018 and 2019. But much of his background in coaching can be traced to the defensive line. Washington worked since 2020 as the Bills’ defensive line coach and also earned the title of assistant head coach in Buffalo last season.
Washington previously worked for the Bears from 2008-'10 under then-head coach Lovie Smith. He started as a defensive assistant before being promoted to defensive line coach in 2010.
As he returned to Halas Hall back in January, Washington began to understand the talent and potential in the Bears defense that he's now leading.
Washington has a lot to smile about with this unit.
“I'm biased,” Washington said. “But having a chance to be out on the football field and watch them and watch the details, there's just a lot to be really excited about – which I am.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .
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