The Carolina Panthers have announced they have hired Eric Washington to be their defensive line coach.

Washington has been a Bears' assistant for the past three season. He was the assistant defensive line coach until his past season when he was promoted to defensive line coach when Rod Marinelli was bumped up to defensive coordinator.

"Eric brings youth and experience to our staff and is a good fit to work with our young defensive line," recently hired head coach Ron Rivera said in a statement released by the team. "He has coached on all levels of football and we are pleased to have him on our staff."