Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigns

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Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned, the team announced Wednesday.

Williams stepped away from the team last week, citing personal issues, with head coach Matt Eberflus taking over defensive play-calling duties for the 27-17 loss to the Buccaneers.

“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,” Williams said in a statement, according to ESPN.

“The McCaskey family is first-class and second to none. 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.”

Earlier Wednesday, Eberflus, who is expected to call plays for the defense Sunday versus the Chiefs, declined to say whether Williams remained with the team.

“I don’t have any update right now,” Eberflus said at the time.

Shortly thereafter, Sports Talk Chicago reported law enforcement raided Williams’ home and the Bears’ headquarters at Halas Hall “in connection with an undisclosed incident.”

A Lake Forest police source was not aware of any activity involving local law enforcement at Halas Hall on Wednesday.

Per 670 the Score, a Bears spokesperson denied that Halas Hall had been raided by authorities, or that “police” had ever visited the facility in connection with Williams.

Brad Biggs, a longtime Bears reporter for the Chicago Tribune, expressed skepticism over Williams’ resignation statement.

“Lot of speculation about the status of #Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams. I can tell you for the last 3 days we’ve been operating under the belief that his absence has not been related to health or a family matter,” Biggs posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Chicago-based attorney Andrew M. Stroth issued a statement to ESPN on Williams’ behalf.

“Given the false rumors and what seems to be out there on social media, I just want to set the record straight that Coach Williams has some health challenges and some family issues he’s dealing with and he thought it was the right time to take a step back and deal with those issues,” the statement said.

“He has tremendous respect for the Bears organization and he just thought it was the time to handle this health issue and his personal matters.”

Williams became defensive coordinator of the Bears last season, after working as an assistant with the Colts, Lions, Vikings, and Bucs.

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