KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Two sources confirmed ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s report Sunday characterizing former Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams’ departure being related to “inappropriate” but not illegal activity.
Schefter did not give details other than to say the Bears’ human resources department was involved and the team examined his computer.
Williams, 53, resigned Wednesday after a weeklong absence that the Bears attributed to personal reasons.
The team declined comment. Williams’ Chicago-based attorney, Andrew M. Stroth, told the Sun-Times on Sunday that he had no further comment. Earlier this week, he said there was “no criminal or any type of action against coach Williams,” and that there was no raid on his home or on Halas Hall.
Rumors of a raid could have stemmed from the forensics the Bears conduct on the computers and phones of all outgoing employees, a source said.
On the team’s ESPN1000 radio show, general manager Ryan Poles offered little detail about Williams’ departure other than to praise Bears management, including coach Matt Eberflus, for navigating the week.
The reaction to Williams’ departure has been cautious, with Bears coaches and Poles offering minimal comments or support. Williams said in a statement on his own stationery he was stepping away to “take care of my health and family.”
Eberflus, who has worked with Williams since 2018, was pressed on that issue Friday and acknowledged his friendship with Williams. He said the limited comments from the organization have been to respect Williams’ privacy.
With Williams gone, Eberflus called the defensive plays and ran the defensive meetings the last two weeks. He said Friday that doing so was the “best thing” for the team, but he remains open to adding another coach to his staff. It would have to be someone well-versed in his scheme.
“If we feel like it could help the squad, help that side of the ball, we’ll definitely do that … ” he said after Sunday’s 41-10 loss at Arrowhead Stadium. “We’ll look at all options as we go. It has to be the right fit.”
The Bears “believed in Coach Flus and his plan — and we just have to execute Coach Flus’ plan,” safety Jaquan Brisker said.
“It’s about execution,” he said. “We weren’t really distracted.”
