The news was first reported by NFL Network and confirmed by NBC Sports Chicago's Josh Schrock. Washington, 54, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been an NFL coach since 2008.

Washington initially joined the Bears organization in 2008 as a defensive assistant and later earned a promotion to defensive line coach in 2010. He then spent nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers from 2011 to 2019, serving as their defensive coordinator for two seasons (2018-2019). During his time with the Panthers, the defense ranked 20th and 31st in points allowed per game.

In 2020, Washington joined the Buffalo Bills coaching staff, where he remained until being tapped by the Bears for the defensive coordinator position. His appointment as defensive coordinator comes as no surprise, as he is the only candidate among the others interviewed who has previous experience in the role.

Head coach Matt Eberflus will continue to call plays for the Bears' defense, with Washington serving as his right-hand man on the sidelines. This solidifies the Bears' coaching staff, with Eberflus, Washington, and newly hired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron now in place.

The Bears organization is eager to see how Washington's expertise and leadership will contribute to the team's defensive performance in the upcoming season. With his extensive experience and track record, the hope is that Washington will help revitalize the Bears' defense and establish a strong presence on the field.

Fans of the Chicago Bears can stay updated with the latest news from their beloved team by signing up for the All Access Daily newsletter. As the new season approaches, excitement builds to see how Washington's defensive strategies will shape the team's performance on the football field.