Why One NFL Coach Resigned Just Two Weeks Into the Season

Alan Williams of the Chicago Bears was involved in some activity that altered officials.

By Brian Jones

The Chicago Bears are not off to a great start to the 2023 NFL season and have been down a coach for the last few weeks. In September, Alan Williams, the defensive coordinator for the Bears, resigned from his position. At the time, Williams said that he was going to take care of his health and family. However, there's another reason why Williams is no longer with the Bears.

According to ESPN, Williams resigned in part because of inappropriate activity. He was not involved in any criminal activity, but the Bears' human resources department was part of the process that ended in his resignation. A digital forensic search was conducted as part of Williams' resignation. 

"It is with great regret that I tender my resignation as the defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears Football Club effective immediately," Williams said in a statement, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. "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. 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."

Williams, 53, did not work the game this past weekend when the Bears lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus was asked about the whereabouts of Williams and said, "I don't have any update right now." Eberflus called the defensive plays in the last game and plans to do so for the foreseeable future. 

In 2022, Williams was hired as the Bears defensive coordinator, the same time when Eberflus was hired as the head coach. The two worked together as defensive coaches for the Indianapolis Colts before joining the Bears. Williams was the Colts defensive backs coach for four seasons, and Eberflus was the defensive coordinator. 

Williams has been coaching in the NFL since 2001. At the time, Williams was a defensive assistant for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but then became the Colts' defensive back coach in 2002. He would hold that position for 10 seasons and would win a Super Bowl with the team during the 2006 season. In 2012, Williams was hired by the Minnesota Vikings to be the team's defensive coordinator. He then joined the Detroit Lions in 2014 to be the defensive backs coach.

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