Fresh off two straight losses to begin the season, the Chicago Bears incurred another loss four days before their third game of the season.
The team announced that Alan Williams resigned as the defensive coordinator to focus on his health and family.
Williams’ sudden resignation comes after he stepped away from the team when they played the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week.
But his resignation was not without wild speculation.
On Wednesday, rumors swirled that the FBI raided Williams’ home and the Bears Halas Hall headquarters, which led to his sudden resignation.
However, Williams’ attorney, Andrew M. Stroth, dispelled those accounts, saying, “The rumors on social media are offensive and one hundred percent untrue.”
“Coach Williams resigned today because of personal health challenges and personal family issues. There was no raid on Halas Hall and no raid on his home.”
A team spokesperson also confirmed that there was no raid.
Williams did issue the following statement regarding his resignation:
“It is with great regret that I tender my resignation as the Defensive Coordinator of the Chicago Bears Football Club effective immediately.
“I am taking a step back to take care of my health and my family. I appreciated 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 the players of which I value 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’s NFL coaching career began in 2001 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has since worked on the defensive side with the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions and Bears.
He was in his second year as the Bears’ defensive coordinator before resigning.
