KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Two sources confirmed ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s report characterizing Alan Williams’ departure being related to “inappropriate” but not illegal activity.
Schefter did not give 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.” He said 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.
The reaction to Williams’ departure has been cautious, with Bears coaches and general manager Ryan Poles offering minimal comments or support. Williams said in a statement he was stepping away to “take care of my health and family.”
Bears coach Matt Eberflus was pressed on that issue Friday and acknowledged he has “friendship” with Williams and, “I have feelings for Alan Willams, of course.” Eberflus said the limited comments from the organization have been to respect Williams’ privacy.
“Everybody’s respecting space there, and it’s personal,” he said. “That’s where it is. It’s personal and that’s where it is, respecting him.”
Eberflus and Williams had worked together since 2018, when Eberflus was the Colts’ defensive coordinator and Williams was his defensive backs coach.
When the Bears hired Eberflus as head coach in January 2022, he quickly added Williams as coordinator and said he would be the defensive play caller. Eberflus has been filling that role since Williams stepped away in Week 2.
Williams has worked in the NFL since 2001 and was the Vikings’ defensive coordinator in 2012 and ‘13.
