The Chicago Bears hired Eric Washington as their defensive coordinator, a source confirmed to ESPN.

Washington, 54, fills the vacancy that was created by Alan Williams' resignation ahead of Week 2 last season. Bears coach Matt Eberflus took over defensive playcalling duties and is expected to continue calling Chicago's defense in 2024.

The Chicago Bears are finalizing a deal to hire Shane Waldron as offensive coordinator, according to a source.

Chicago fired Luke Getsy and four members of the offensive staff earlier this month.

Waldron, 44, spent the last three seasons as the offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks.

The Chicago Bears are expected to interview Kliff Kingsbury for their vacant offensive coordinator position in Los Angeles on Friday, according to a report.

The Bears have the No. 1 pick. Potential selection Caleb Williams played for Kingsbury at USC. Kingsbury was a senior offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach.

The Chicago Bears interviewed Greg Roman for their offensive coordinator opening, according to a report.

Chicago kept Matt Eberflus after a 7-10 season, but fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.

Chicago also has interviewed or has requested to interview Shane Waldron, Klint Kubiak, Greg Olson and Liam Coen.

Caleb Williams has let USC to declare for the 2024 NFL draft.

Williams is the overwhelming favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick with the selection currently owned by the Chicago Bears. The Bears traded out of the No. 1 pick last year, sending the selection to the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers finished with the NFL's worst record and are sending the pick to the Bears.

Chicago spent a first round pick on Justin Fields in 2021, but his status as their quarterback of the future remains murky.

Williams won the Heisman Trophy in 2022, but had a somewhat disappointing 2023.

Ryan Poles says the Chicago Bears will be "open-minded" about whether to use or trade away the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft.

The Bears traded the first overall pick to the Carolina Panthers last year, getting back a haul of picks plus wide receiver D.J. Moore. At the time, Poles said he would need to be "blown away" by a quarterback in the draft to move on from then-second-year man Justin Fields.

"I've got to stay open-minded about it," Poles said. "Not to use the same quote, but when I say, 'I need to be blown away,' it's the same setup because seeing the things that Justin did this year, his ability to make plays ... keeping his eyes down the field, taking less sacks, you see a lot of growth there where he can continue to get better. So, I'll have the same mindset."

The Bears possess two picks in the top 10 at Nos. 1 and 9. Poles said his staff is in "information gathering mode" right now.

The NFL has designated the four teams that will give up a home game in 2024 and host a game in Europe instead -- the Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings.

The Bears, Jaguars and Vikings will each host a game in London, while the Panthers will host a game in Munich. 

Opponents and dates will be announced along with the rest of the NFL schedule in the spring.

The NFL will not play in Mexico City due to renovations at Estadio Azteca. But the league previously announced plans to play a 2024 game at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil. 

The Chicago Bears have made the first two decisions in what will be a pivotal offseason, bringing back head coach Matt Eberflus for the 2024 season while firing offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, sources told ESPN.

The Bears also fired quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko and wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert on Wednesday after extensive meetings the previous two days, according to sources.

Justin Fields isn't sure what the future holds after three seasons with the Chicago Bears.

It remains to be seen if the Bears will go into the 2024 season with Fields as their quarterback. Chicago will have the No. 1 and No. 9 overall picks this spring.

"That decision is not in my hands," Fields said. "All I can control is what I did do. I gave it my all. Whether it's here or not, I have no regrets."

Fields said his goodbyes after Chicago's 17-9 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

"To the city of Chicago, love y'all," said Fields, who was drafted 11th overall in 2021. "Appreciate the fans and the support from all the Bears, you know, and in case this is my last rodeo with y'all, appreciate y'all for everything."

Fields said it "would mean a lot" if the Bears choose to stick with him for a fourth season.

"I have a pretty good relationship with Ryan [Poles] and the guys upstairs," the quarterback said. "At the end of the day, this is a business. They have to make the tough decisions. My job is just to go out there and play my best. It would mean a lot to get that confirmation from them and just really send a message that they trust me to lead this team and be the quarterback."

The Chicago Bears clinched the top overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft following the Carolina Panthers' 26-0 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Bears traded away the No. 1 pick in last year's draft to the Panthers in exchange for DJ Moore, first and second round pics in 2023, a first rounder in 2024 and a second rounder in 2025.

The Panthers finished the 2022 season with a 7-10 record, but Bryce Young largely struggled as their starting quarterback.

The Bears have a decision to make regarding the future of Justin Fields as holders of the first overall pick. Caleb Williams is considered the most probable selection at No. 1.