Alan Williams resigns as defensive coordinator of the Bears. The team announced that Alan Williams has resigned as the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Wednesday.
“I am stepping aside to focus on my health and family. Williams said, “I appreciate the opportunity to work with the Chicago Bears, a storied NFL franchise with a rich history.”
“I value the NFL shield and all that it represents, and after addressing my health, I intend to return to coaching,” he added.
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Since last week, Williams, 53, has been absent from the Bears for personal reasons, as per the team. Details surrounding Williams’ absence were vague, including a one-sentence statement from the team verifying his resignation released on Wednesday.
The Bears and Williams’ attorney refuted a Chicago report of police activity at the team facility.
Williams’ attorney, Andrew M. Stroth, a Chicago-based sports attorney, said, “He has tremendous respect for the Bears organization, and he simply felt it was the right time to address this health issue and his matters.”
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus took over defensive playcalling duties against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and stated on Wednesday that he would continue to do so against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday if Williams’ situation was not resolved.
When asked if the 0-2 Bears’ lack of a defensive coordinator could be problematic, Eberflus responded that he did not believe it would be due to the experience of his defensive staff.
“We have [safety coach] Andre Curtis and [cornerbacks coach/passing game coordinator] Jon Hoke, both of whom have extensive experience,” said Eberflus. “Personnel who has been in our system. [Linebackers coach Dave] Borgonzi and [assistant defensive backs coach David] are two members of the coaching staff. Overstreet, those men are assiduously working, so we are prepared and ready to go.”
Williams was appointed by the Bears in February 2022, shortly after Eberflus was named head coach. Williams was the Indianapolis Colts’ safeties coach for four seasons, while Eberflus was the team’s defensive coordinator. It was his second tenure with Indianapolis after coaching defensive backs there for ten seasons from 2002 to 2011.
Williams was the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings in 2012 and 2013. He has more than three decades of experience as a coach.
