Former Panthers Defensive Coordinator Eric Washington Joins Bills Staff
By Alex Coffman
The game of musical chairs among NFL coaching staffs is afoot as franchises aim to forge identities before the offseason grind begins. And on Friday, the Buffalo Bills added some valuable experience to Sean McDermott's staff. Eric Washington, former defensive coordinator under Ron Rivera in Carolina, is reportedly headed to Orchard Park as defensive line coach.
The #Bills have hired former #Panthers DC Eric Washington as their defensive line coach. He worked with #Bills HC McDermott for six years in Carolina.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) January 10, 2020
Washington was defensive line coach for seven years with the Panthers before before being promoted to defensive coordinator for his final two seasons there. Notably, McDermott was his defensive coordinator for his first half-dozen seasons, and that familiarity could pay dividends in Buffalo.
Under Washington, the Panthers d-line recorded the most sacks in the NFL over his seven-year span running the unit, pummeling quarterbacks for fun 244 times.
Eric Washington has been hired as the @BuffaloBills defensive line coach. pic.twitter.com/ElOG6jH9tB
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) January 10, 2020
The Bills are looking to build off their strong regular season and disappointing Wild Card exit, and figure to see Washington help them pressure opposing QBs more consistently. In 2019, the defense ranked 12th in the league in sacks.
Washington replaces Bill Teerlinck, who is taking the same position for the Virginia Tech Hokies.