Since firing defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich, the Green Bay Packers have been aggressive in their search for the new leader of their defensive front. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones, a third candidate has appeared in the search.
Previously, it was reported that New York Jets defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton and Tampa Bay Buccaneers run game coordinator/defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers have interviewed for the job. Now, Jones has reported that former Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Eric Washington, who previously served under the titles of defensive line coach, senior defensive assistant and assistant head coach with the Buffalo Bills from 2020-2023, has been interviewed by the team. Prior to joining the Bills, Washington also spent time with Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott in Carolina, where Washington was the defensive line coach and defensive coordinator from 2011 through 2019.
In his lone season as the Bears’ defensive line coach in 2010, Washington was also able to get the most out of free agent signing Julius Peppers, who earned his first First-Team All-Pro season in four seasons and received votes for the league’s defensive player of the year award.
By all accounts, the Packers seem to be taking the defensive line coaching position seriously this offseason. Last year, Green Bay fired their 3-4 defensive line coach, Jerry Montgomery, after nine seasons with the program. They kept Rebrovich on the staff for the transition from Joe Barry’s scheme to Jeff Hafley’s 4-3 defense and promoted him from coaching only the 3-4 outside linebackers to the entire 4-3 defensive line, which clearly didn’t pan out.
In after-the-season press conferences, head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst stated that they believe their defensive line has talent and hope to get home with their four down linemen rather than blitzes or simulated pressures moving forward. To “run it back” with their 2024 defensive linemen, they clearly needed to take a big swing at the coaching market. As of now, they appear to understand the assignment.
