Just when you thought Justin Fields’s struggles was the biggest topic in Chicago, out of nowhere came this crazy Alan Williams story.
Williams, the defensive coordinator for the Bears, suddenly announced his resignation yesterday, citing personal reasons.
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed that health and family concerns were the primary reasons for his abrupt departure.
Williams’ statement, relayed by Rapoport, read in part: “I am taking a step back to take care of my health and my family … 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.”
A statement from Alan Williams: https://t.co/FfDPMkx6vH pic.twitter.com/mz9oK9gVhr
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 20, 2023
Soon after, shocking (unconfirmed) reports began to circulate that the FBI had raided Williams’ home, leaving many to speculate that something extremely serious was going on.
Adding to the mystery and intrigue surrounding the situation, an update from NFL insider MLFootball provided some insight into the possible reasons behind the FBI’s actions and just how serious the situation allegedly is.
“The FBI raided Chicago #Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams home due to some very serious allegations, league sources tell @_MLFootball … The sting found some extremely sensitive ‘content’, and Williams will most likely never coach again for Chicago or any #NFL team, “for the rest of his life,” a source familiar with the situation says.”
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨
The FBI raided Chicago #Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams home due to some very serious allegations, league sources tell @_MLFootball.
The sting found some extremely sensitive 'content', and Williams will most likely never coach again for Chicago or… pic.twitter.com/awApsFDmRg
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 20, 2023
Taking it a step further, Jon Zaghloul of SportsTalkChi reported that the Bears facility (Halas Hall) was also raided by the FBI.
“BREAKING: According to sources familiar with the situation, both Halas Hall and Alan Williams’s home have been raided in connection with an undisclosed incident … Alan Williams’s home was raided Sunday night, after the team’s Week 1 loss … Halas Hall was raided THIS MORNING.”
BREAKING: According to sources familiar with the situation, both Halas Hall and Alan Williams’s home have been raided in connection with an undisclosed incident.
Alan Williams’s home was raided Sunday night, after the team’s Week 1 loss.
Halas Hall was raided THIS MORNING.
— Jon Zaghloul (@JonZSports) September 20, 2023
“MORE NEWS: Bears legend Charles Tillman broke the news about Alan Williams to Matt Eberflus, Ryan Poles, and Kevin Warren per sources … Eberflus cried, and could not believe what had happened … Ryan Poles and Kevin Warren DO NOT blame Eberflus for having Williams on his staff.”
MORE NEWS: Bears legend Charles Tillman broke the news about Alan Williams to Matt Eberflus, Ryan Poles, and Kevin Warren per sources.
Eberflus cried, and could not believe what had happened.
Ryan Poles and Kevin Warren DO NOT blame Eberflus for having Williams on his staff.
— Jon Zaghloul (@JonZSports) September 20, 2023
Although Zaghloul stands by his reporting, it’s important to note that his report is unconfirmed thus far.
As a matter of fact, ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reported that the Bears denied that Halas Hall was raided by the FBI.
“A team spokesman addressed the rumors regarding Halas Hall being raided today as false. We were also told that the police have not been to Halas Hall in connection to Alan Williams.”
A team spokesman addressed the rumors regarding Halas Hall being raided today as false. We were also told that the police have not been to Halas Hall in connection to Alan Williams.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) September 20, 2023
Williams, who previously served as the defensive backs coach for the Indianapolis Colts from 2018 to 2021, was brought to Chicago by Matt Eberflus thanks to their Indy ties where Eberflus was once the Colts defensive coordinator.
Williams’ sudden departure leaves a vital void in the Bears coaching staff as they attempt to recover from a winless start to the season.
However, it’s clear that something much more serious could potentially be going on.
There will surely be much more to this story.
Stay tuned…