After starting the season 0-2, things got a lot worse the Chicago Bears on Wednesday.
Defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigned from his position on Wednesday afternoon, after the internet lit up with unverified rumors that his home, as well as Halas Hall – the team’s headquarters – had been raided by the FBI. Deadspin has not been able to independently confirm that Williams’ home was raided, and no reputable news outlet has reported that story.
Deadspin contacted the FBI in an attempt to confirm the rumors about Williams circulating online. The Bureau declined to comment on what they called the “existence or non-existence of an investigation.”
It should be noted that @JohnZSports’ claim that Halas Hall was robbed turned out to be untrue, as insiders such as WSCR Radio’s Mark Grote, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Courtney Cronin reported.
After his dismissal, Williams released a statement that said, in part:
“I’m taking a step back to take care of my health and my family. I appreciate the NFL shield and everything it stands for and after spending some time looking after my health, I plan to come back and coach again.
However, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune said: “We operated in the belief that his absence was not related to his health or a family matter.”
And while Williams claims he’s resigning to focus on his health and family, it appears he’s cooperating Chicago-based sports attorney Andrew M. Strothwho said to Cronin:
“Given the false rumors and what appears to be on social media, I just want to make it clear that Coach Williams has some health and family issues that he is dealing with and he felt this was the right time to make a move . back and address these issues,” Stroth said. “He has tremendous respect for the Bears organization and felt it was time to address this health issue and his personal matters.”
According to 670 The score, Stroth added that “There is absolutely no criminal activity” regarding his client.
Williams stayed away from the team this week after missing Week 2, and the Bears reported he left the team for “personal reasons.” On Wednesday Eberflus refused to answer a reporter’s question about whether Williams was still the defensive coordinator, nor would he discuss whether he had spoken to Williams.
Williams, who was in his second year with the Bears, spent four seasons as the safeties coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Williams was in his second round with Chicago after serving as defensive line coach for 10 seasons (2002-2011).
This is a developing story and we will update it as more details become available. For more news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.