On Wednesday, Alan Williams formally resigned from his position as the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator, according to an announcement from the team.
A statement from Alan Williams: https://t.co/FfDPMkx6vH pic.twitter.com/mz9oK9gVhr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2023
In a statement, Williams expressed his reasons for stepping down, citing the need to prioritize his health and family. He acknowledged the honor of working with the Chicago Bears, an esteemed NFL franchise with a rich history.
Alan Williams, aged 53, had been absent from the team since the previous week due to personal reasons, and he did not fulfill his coaching duties during the Bears’ game against the Buccaneers on Sunday. In a statement, Williams said, “I am taking a step back to take care of my health and family. I appreciate the opportunity to work with the Chicago Bears, a storied NFL franchise with a rich history.” He continued, “I value the NFL shield and all that it stands for and after taking some time to address my health, I plan to come back and coach again.”
From @NFLTotalAccess: #Bears DC Alan Williams resigned this morning. pic.twitter.com/c69RK7bGcR
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2023
Williams, an experienced NFL defensive assistant, has served on the coaching staffs of the Colts, Vikings, and Lions since 2002 before joining Bears head coach Matt Eberflus in Chicago last season.
In his statement, Williams extended his appreciation to Coach Matt Eberflus, General Manager Ryan Poles, President Kevin Warren, as well as the coaching staff and players. He underscored his commitment to the NFL and his intent to make a coaching comeback after addressing his health concerns.
#Bears DC Alan Williams resigned this morning.
The Bears will be releasing a statement soon that will shed light on what is rumored to be a very shocking and disgusting story. pic.twitter.com/8DDaX4nMS8
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) September 20, 2023
He stated, “I would also like to thank Coach Matt Eberflus and General Manager Ryan Poles for giving me the opportunity to come to Chicago. I would also like to thank President Kevin Warren, the coaches and players of which I value the relationships and camaraderie. I value the NFL shield and all that it stands for and after taking some time to address my health, I plan to come back and coach again.”
BREAKING: According to sources familiar with the situation, both Halas Hall and Alan Williams’s home have been raided in connection with an undisclosed incident.
Alan Williams’s home was raided Sunday night, after the team’s Week 1 loss.
Halas Hall was raided THIS MORNING.
— Jon Zaghloul (@JonZSports) September 20, 2023
Earlier in the day, Coach Eberflus offered limited insight into the situation, responding with “I don’t have any update right now” when questioned about Williams’s employment status.
Similar responses were provided when asked about the likelihood of Williams returning during the season and whether they had been in communication.
With Williams’s departure, a noticeable gap is left in the coaching staff, prompting inquiries regarding how Eberflus will manage both the struggling offense and leading the defense. Nevertheless, Eberflus expressed confidence in the experienced members of his defensive staff, asserting that the team can manage without a defensive coordinator.
Bears’ defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned for health and family reasons.
Rumors of the FBI raid at Halas Hall denied by the team. pic.twitter.com/nR4yU3ZUj0
— SleepyAliens (@TheSleepyAliens) September 21, 2023
Williams, who joined the Bears in February 2022, had previously served as the safeties coach for the Indianapolis Colts during Eberflus’s tenure as the Colts’ defensive coordinator. He also had a prior coaching stint with Indianapolis, focusing on defensive backs for a decade from 2002 to 2011.
Williams had also held the position of Minnesota’s defensive coordinator in 2012 and 2013, accumulating over three decades of coaching experience.
Bears DC Alan Williams has resigned pic.twitter.com/d7IYSIMdyU
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 20, 2023
While the team expressed concern for Williams’ well-being, the focus remains on the upcoming games and the task at hand. Defensive tackle Andrew Billings said, “I hope he’s OK, I hope everything’s all good, but when you get to the building it’s just focus on the job first. When you come here everything else out of the building leaves, and you focus on what’s important and that’s the next game.”
