LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Days after Matt Eberflus was hired by the Bears as their new head coach in January 2022, he called upon a close lieutenant in Alan Williams to join him as defensive coordinator in Chicago.
Eberflus and Williams had worked together in Indianapolis for four years, with Eberflus serving as Colts defensive coordinator and Williams as the safeties coach. Eberflus trusted Williams to help instill his defensive identity with the Bears.
That partnership is now over. Williams was just one game into his second season in Chicago when he left the Bears last week and never returned to the team. He then abruptly submitted his resignation Wednesday, citing health and family matters for stepping away.
Details about Williams’ exit and personal situation remain unclear, and it isn't known why he elected to resign rather than take a leave of absence. The Bears haven't commented publicly on Williams’ status beyond a 12-word statement Wednesday announcing his exit — “Alan Williams submitted his resignation as the team’s defensive coordinator this afternoon.” Bears players and members of the defensive coaching staff have declined to share well wishes for Williams.
On Friday afternoon, Eberflus addressed Williams’ resignation for the first time.
“I have a lot of friendship,” Eberflus said. “I have feelings for him. Again, he has resigned. It was for health and family. We’ll see where it goes from there.
“It’s personal. People were respecting space, respecting that. That’s what I believe it is.”
Andrew M. Stroth, a personal attorney representing Williams, said Wednesday on the Parkins & Spiegel Show that there was "absolutely no criminal activity" tied to Williams' resignation. The Bears also have denied that there was a raid at Halas Hall by authorities, contrary to internet speculation.
Williams left the Bears last week for what the team called personal reasons. Eberflus assumed the defensive coordinator role by calling plays on that side of the ball, a duty he'll continue handling when the Bears (0-2) visit the Chiefs (1-1) on Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium.
Bears haven't determined whether they'll name an interim defensive coordinator or alter roles on their staff, general manager Ryan Poles said Thursday.
"I feel very comfortable with calling the defense and being the head coach,” Eberflus said.
“This is the best thing for right now."
On Wednesday afternoon, Eberflus visited with each Bears position group following Williams’ resignation. He aimed to share a message of stability.
Poles admitted Thursday that the Bears have encountered "adversity," as they were already riding a 12-game losing streak when their defensive coordinator suddenly left. Each day after practice, Eberflus preaches to his Bears the need to stay together to overcome that adversity.
“Lean in and lean on each other,” Eberflus said. “You’ve been spending time building relationships with each other. That locker room is tight. It’s a tight locker room. You could see it the way they practice. We’re just going to keep pounding the rock.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.