Washington played tight end at Grambling State from 1989-90 for legendary head coach Eddie Robinson and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Grambling State in 1993. Commissioned as a Naval Officer in 1998, Washington was assigned to the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, R.I., where he served as the defensive coordinator of the football team for three years. From 2004-07, Washington served as the defensive line coach at Northwestern. Washington joined Carolina after spending 2008-10 with the Chicago Bears. Washington was then elevated to Panthers defensive line coach in 2010. He gained his first professional coaching experience by twice participating in the NFL Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, assisting with the Bears defensive line during training camp in 2005 and aiding the Atlanta Falcons' linebackers during training camp in 2004. Eric Washington was named Carolina's defensive coordinator in January 2018 after serving seven seasons as Carolina's defensive line coach from 2011-2017. Under Washington, the Panthers defensive line featured two All-Pro selections, two Pro Bowl selections and three Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie honorees. Washington is part of a Carolina coaching staff that has led the Panthers to playoff appearances in four of the past five sea- sons, highlighted by an appearance in Super Bowl 50. Show less «