Alan Williams has resigned, efficient instantly, because the Chicago Bears’ defensive coordinator, the group introduced Wednesday afternoon, and amid rumors on the contrary, the group says there was no police involvement within the matter.
“I’m taking a step again to look after my well being and my household,” Williams mentioned in a press release. “I admire the chance to work with the Chicago Bears, an iconic NFL group with a wealthy historical past…I admire the NFL Defend and every little thing it represents, and after taking a while to deal with my well being, I plan to teach once more. “
The 53-year-old has been away from the group since final week as a consequence of what coach Matt Eberflus known as “private causes.”
Steve Chambers/Getty Photographs
A group spokesperson addressed web rumors suggesting that authorities raided Halas Corridor (the Chicago Bears’ headquarters) on Wednesday morning in relation to Williams, He called them lies, in line with a number of reviews. The Bears mentioned police didn’t go to Halas Corridor in reference to Williams. The Athletic reported that the NFL was not concerned within the state of affairs, and it was Williams’ choice to resign. Albert Brier Sports Illustrated He mentioned the Bears’ teaching employees remains to be “shocked” by Williams’ resignation.
A group spokesman described the rumors concerning the raid on Halas Corridor right now as false. We’re additionally advised that the police didn’t go to Halas Corridor in relation to Alan Williams.
-Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 20, 2023
Andrew M. Struth, a Chicago-based legal professional, is representing Williams and reiterated that he’s resigning as a consequence of well being points and private points. According to ESPN’s Courtney Cronin.
He added: “Given the false rumors and what appears to be spreading on social media, I simply wish to set the file straight. Coach Williams has some well being challenges and a few household points that he is coping with, and he believes that is the precise time to make a transfer.” “Going again and coping with these points,” Struth advised ESPN. “He has nice respect for the Bears group and thought this was the precise time to deal with this well being concern and his private issues.”
Newsweek I reached out to Bears and Stroth by way of e-mail for remark.
Struth mentioned throughout a radio look on 670 The Rating on Wednesday evening that there was “completely no legal exercise” related to Williams’ resignation, regardless of web rumors.
Is there any authorized or legal matter associated to Alan Williams’ resignation as Bears defensive coordinator?
Lawyer Andrew M. Struth: “Thanks for that query. There may be completely no legal exercise concerned.”
Struth emphasizes this forcefully and “unequivocally.”
— 670 The Rating (@670TheScore) September 20, 2023
With Williams absent, Eberflus took over the Bears’ defensive play-calling duties in a 27-17 Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Eberflus was requested about Williams’ situation a number of instances earlier Wednesday throughout a information convention however declined to supply an replace.
Earlier than Williams’ resignation was introduced, Eberflus had already introduced that he would nonetheless name the protection once more in Week 3 towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Eberflus mentioned earlier Wednesday that he feels the group is able to managing with no defensive coordinator due to the expertise of the remainder of the teaching employees.
Williams was employed as Chicago’s defensive coordinator forward of the 2022 season after Eberflus was named head coach.
The 2 had beforehand labored on the identical defensive employees with the Indianapolis Colts. The previous William and Mary has been teaching within the NFL since 2001 with different stops in Tampa Bay, Minnesota and Detroit. He was the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings in 2012 and 2013.
“The McCaskey household is top-notch and second to none,” Williams additionally mentioned in his assertion. “I’d additionally wish to thank coach Matt Eberflus and normal supervisor Ryan Bowles for giving me the chance to come back to Chicago. I’d additionally wish to thank (group president) Kevin Warren, the coaches and the gamers who I worth the relationships and camaraderie.”