Alan Williams’ decision to resign as defensive coordinator of the Bears this past week did not stem from “criminal activity,” but conduct deemed “inappropriate,” according to ESPN.
When reporting on the latest developments surrounding Williams, Adam Schefter said Sunday that he was told: “It was not criminal activity, but it was inappropriate, and the Bears’ HR department was involved in the decision for Alan Williams to step aside.”
It marks the latest twist in a tumultuous stretch for the franchise, which began when Williams stepped away from the team due to personal reasons and head coach Matt Eberflus called the defense in their Week 2 loss to the Buccaneers on Sept. 17.
Williams then resigned Wednesday, and rumors started to swirl — first, via a report from Sports Talk Chicago — about a potential FBI raid at Williams’ house and the Bears’ facility, though Williams’ attorney denied both of those claims.
Williams, who joined the Bears’ coaching staff in 2022 after Eberflus became head coach, cited health and family reasons in a statement that accompanied the resignation announcement.
His attorney reiterated those reasons throughout the week as well.
“I don’t have many details to add there. Halas Hall being raided is completely false. Don’t know where that came from,” general manager Ryan Poles said Thursday. “We’ve worked with [team president] Kevin [Warren] and [team chairman] George [McCaskey] and all our leadership to make sure we were handling it the right way, and everything concluded yesterday.”
The Athletic reported Sunday that there was a forensic vehicle at the Bears’ facility during the week, something that reportedly could be considered standard in the NFL after a resignation or firing, when the employee’s electronics are “downloaded out of caution.”
But the situation and uncertainty surrounding Williams’ situation wasn’t the only controversy to infiltrate the Bears’ headquarters this week.
Starting quarterback Justin Fields also criticized coaching as a possible root for what he labeled “robotic” play, while more than $100,000 worth of yard equipment — including lawn mowers and gators — was stolen from Soldier Field, according to a report from Chicago’s ABC affiliate, which cited a manager at the stadium.
Fields later apologized to the Bears’ offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for his comments, according to ESPN.
The Bears travel to Arrowhead Stadium and face the Chiefs at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday.
Ebeflus will call the defense against Kansas City.
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