Patrick Finley, Sun-Times
While new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron was bobbing and weaving to avoid repeated questions about Justin Fields, Caleb Williams … and just about anything Thursday, new defensive coordinator Eric Washington made a triumphant return to Halas Hall with the wind at his back.
Washington, a former defensive quality control and defensive line coach for Lovie Smith and Rod Marinelli in 2008-10, inherits a defense that finished strong in 2024. In the final eight games of the season, the Bears led the NFL in points allowed (17.