The Chicago Bears hired Alan Williams as the defensive coordinator in February last year to boost their defense. While the NFL teams in the NFC division are doing a tremendous job this season, the Chicago Bears are falling short of providing any significant performance in the league.
The Bears are 0-2 after going down to the Green Bay Packers in their first game and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Week 2 campaign. Now, the suddenly developed drama regarding Williams’ abrupt resignation has become a countercheck for the team ahead of their next match.
Alan Williams resigned from the Bears DC role
Williams was not with the Bears in their last showdown against the Bucs. On Wednesday, he released a statement stating that he would step back from his position for personal reasons.
“I am taking a step back to take care of my health and my family. I appreciate the opportunity to work with the Chicago Bears, a storied NFL franchise with a rich history,” he wrote.
Chicago #Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams has resigned from his position following rumblings of an FBI raid of his house. #NFL #DaBears #3ptcnvrsn pic.twitter.com/1CTPpLsPMR
— The 3 Point Conversion (@3ptCnvrsn) September 20, 2023
In his prolonged statement, the veteran thanked a number of people, including the coach, general manager, president, players, and the McCaskey family.
“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.”
The DC didn’t reveal the possible dates for returning to duty, although he vowed to come back after dealing with health issues. He has been a coach in the league since the 2001 season and served as a defensive back coach with the Indianapolis Colts for three years before landing in Chicago.
Possible reasons behind Williams’ resignation
Multiple reports on Wednesday claimed FBI agents conducted a raid at both Williams’ home and the Bears’ facility in Halas Hall. Meanwhile, some rumors also claimed that former Chicago cornerback Charles Tillman, now an FBI agent, was involved in the incident.
Charles "Peanut" Tillman, a former Chicago Bears player and current FBI agent, informed the team's upper management, including head coach Matt Eberflus, general manager Ryan Poles, and team president Kevin Warren, about a raid at the home of defensive coordinator Alan Williams. pic.twitter.com/2d7FF0f0eV
— The Financial Magpie (@FinancialMagpie) September 20, 2023
However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network shut down all those rumors, saying neither Hallas Hall was raided nor Tillman was involved in the incident. The coordinator’s attorney, Andrew Stroth, denied the rumors as well and claimed he was just dealing with health and family issues.
“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. 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.”
Chicago will travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face off against Patrick Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs. Eberflus has performed the duty of the team’s defensive coordinator in the absence of Alan in the last match and probably would have to do the same in the upcoming match as well.
What’s your take on this incident? Tell us in the comments.
