The Chicago Bears have hired Eric Washington as their defensive coordinator, the team announced Saturday, as the team looks to build on the defensive improvement it saw during the 2023 season despite a 7-10 finish.

A former Bears assistant, Washington spent last season as the assistant head coach and defensive line coach for the Buffalo Bills, and adds experience both in the league and with Chicago’s scheme.

“My family and I are beyond excited to be returning to the Chicago Bears,” Washington said in a release. “It is humbling to have the opportunity to contribute to one of the most esteemed sports organizations in the world! I thank God and I appreciate Coach Eberflus, the Bears front office, and the McCaskey family for entrusting me with this responsibility.”

Bears coach Matt Eberflus handled the defensive coordinator responsibilities following Alan Williams’ resignation in September. While it’s expected that Eberflus will continue calling plays, Washington will now oversee Chicago’s defense. He comes from a successful franchise in Buffalo and that should carry weight in Halas Hall.

Eberflus stayed in the Lovie Smith tree for the hire, as Washington was an assistant under Smith with the Bears from 2008 to 2010. Washington coached the defensive line for the 2010 NFC North champs before spending the next nine seasons in Carolina with Ron Rivera, the former Bears defensive coordinator.

During Washington’s time in Carolina, he spent seven seasons as a D-line coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator for the 2018-19 seasons. Washington called plays for most of the 2018 season before Rivera took back play-calling duties.

When Sean McDermott got the coaching job in Buffalo, he brought Washington with him, and while Washington hasn’t called plays for the Bills, he was promoted to senior titles. In 2023, he was the assistant head coach for a Bills team that was a play or two away from making the AFC Championship.

Before joining the Bears in 2008, Washington was Northwestern’s defensive line coach from 2004 to 2007, so he’s familiar with the Chicago area.

“(Washington) is a great communicator with elite leadership skills and he will enhance our current defensive staff,” Eberflus said. “His track record speaks for itself with coordinator experience as well as expertise in the area of defensive line.”

Eberflus had mentioned the challenge of balancing his time last year when he took over as play-caller on defense while still being the head coach, wanting to keep tabs on the entire team and spend time with every position group. Having a coordinator with Washington’s experience not only helps Eberflus, but it brings a valuable set of eyes to the unit.

The team will have high expectations for their defense following their 2023 success. Dating to 2000, the 2023 group was the fourth-best Bears run defense, trailing the 2018, 2001 and 2010 playoff teams. Although their defense was the best against the run and among the best in interceptions, expected points added and in other areas, their pass rush still needs to improve. The addition of defensive end Montez Sweat only helped so much. Only one team — the Panthers — had fewer sacks than the Bears.