Bears coach Matt Eberflus will call defensive plays in 2024, he confirmed Thursday.
That was expected from the moment the Bears set out to hire a defensive coordinator this offseason. Eberflus called plays for most of last season, with success, after coordinator Alan Williams left following a conduct issue at Halas Hall.
Last month, the Bears hired Bills defensive line coach Eric Washington as coordinator. Eberflus referred to as his good friend on Thursday; the two have known each other for years.
Washington began his NFL coaching career as a Bears coaching assistant in 2008. He stayed at Halas Hall through 2010.
“It’s wonderful to be back,” he said.
He ran a system similar to Eberflus’ 4-3 scheme in stops with the Panthers and Bills.
“My focus was on what the job is, as opposed to what it isn’t,” he said. “The opportunity to come here … with a defense that is clearly on an upward trajectory … that’s what my focus was.”
