Alan Williams’ resignation as Chicago Bears defensive coordinator was conduct-related, sources say
As the Chicago Bears try to focus on Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs, information regarding the sudden and unusual resignation of defensive coordinator Alan Williams continues to trickle out.
Multiple sources told the Tribune that Williams’ departure from the team was conduct-related. ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported Sunday morning that the Bears human resources department became involved to address inappropriate behavior.
Through a team spokesperson, the Bears declined to respond or offer further comment.
Williams stepped away abruptly in the middle of Week 2 for what the team called personal reasons. On Wednesday, as his absence seemed to grow more mysterious, the 53-year-old coach submitted his resignation and issued a three-paragraph statement that said he was “taking a step back to take care of my health and my family.”
The Bears have provided minimal detail or comment on Williams’ resignation.
Coach Matt Eberflus was the most recent team official to speak on the matter, saying after practice Friday that he went position by position to inform players of Williams’ departure when it became official.
Eberflus was asked about the emotional impact of Williams’ resignation. The two have coached together since 2018.
“I have a lot of friendship. I have feelings for him,” Eberflus said. “But again, he has resigned and it’s for health and family (reasons) and we’ll see where it goes from there.”
Eberflus indicated he had been in touch with Williams about his departure.
“We just reached out for support and that’s where it is,” he said. “It’s personal and we just left it at that. We just said if you need anything, we can help you. Let us know.”
Eberflus also had a direct message for his players.
“I said, ‘Lean in and lean on each other,’” he said. “We’ve been spending time building relationships with each other and that locker room is tight. You can see it in the way that they practice, and we’re just going to keep pounding the rock.”
The winless Bears face the Chiefs on Sunday afternoon at Arrowhead Stadium (3:25 p.m., Fox-32), now 11 months removed from their last victory. With Williams gone, Eberflus will continue to assume defensive play-calling duties.
