Bears' Williams' Departure Involved 'Inappropriate' Conduct: Reports

CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears remain in a tailspin after dropping their third straight game in a lopsided loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, but the intrigue over the resignation of former defensive coordinator Alan Williams continues to be mired in uncertainty.

Williams resigned amid a week in which quarterback Justin Fields seemed to call out coaches for his lack of offensive production and as rumors swirled around Williams’ decision to step down from his position, citing medical reasons.

However, on Sunday, ESPN and the Chicago Tribune each reported that Williams’ resignation was centered around inappropriate behavior rather than medical concerns. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that although the defensive coordinator’s decision to step down was not based on any criminal activity, the team’s human resources department became involved, according to the report.

ESPN also reported that a digital forensic search was conducted related to Williams' resignation, but that the move was standard operating procedure for the Bears.

The Tribune, meanwhile, reported that Williams' departure was "conduct related."

Williams issued a three-paragraph statement about his decision to step away from the team last week. In the statement, he said that he was “taking a step back” to focus on his health and family.”

"I am taking a step back to take care of my health and my family," Williams said. "I appreciate the opportunity to work with the Chicago Bears, a storied NFL franchise with a rich history."

The team issued a statement in response, but only said that Williams had resigned as the Bears’ defensive coordinator and did not say anything further.

Coach Matt Eberflus did not provide many details about Williams’ decision and, according to the Tribune, only informed players of the move on Friday. Asked about the 53-year-old Williams on Friday, Eberflus — who has worked with Williams since 2018 — reiterated that the decision was for "health and family (reasons)," adding "We’ll see where it goes from there."

The Bears surrendered 41 points in Sunday’s loss to the Chiefs, who led 34-0 at halftime. The loss marked the second time that Eberflus called the defensive plays after Williams missed the team’s loss at Tampa Bay due to personal reasons. Asked if the Bears could consider looking at making an addition to the defensive coaching staff, Eberflus said that the option is something the Bears could do, but that they would look at everything in evaluating what happens in the future.

“It’s got to be the right fit,” Eberflus said.

Afterward, Eberflus did not address the reports but said he was more concerned about his team’s mindset moving forward. The Bears host the Denver Broncos on Sunday. The Broncos surrendered 70 points on Sunday in a 50-point loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Eberflus said everyone “has to take a hard look” at what they’re doing as the Bears prepare to play two games in 11 days.

“We’ve got to keep this thing tight in our locker room,” Eberflus told reporters on Sunday. “That’s the most important thing. There’s going to be a lot of outside noise as there always is in the NFL. We’ve played three games so far in the season and so if the guys keep doing that individually, we keep working, then we’re going to have this thing crack.”