Bears coach Matt Eberflus will call defensive plays in 2024

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.”