What's next for the Bears following Alan Williams' resignation as defensive coordinator?

LAKE FOREST — Alan Williams submitted his letter of resignation as the Bears’ defensive coordinator on Wednesday.

Here is what the former defensive play caller had to say in his statement.

Williams was the Bears’ defensive coordinator for 18 games. After his first season in 2022, the Bears allowed 27.2 points per game (last in the NFL), sacked the quarterback only 20 times (worst in the league) and gave up 6,390 total yards (fourth-worst).

Prior to the news about Williams, Bears coach Matt Eberflus said, he would “be there calling the defense, no question” depending if there was an update with Williams. Considering that Williams is no longer a part of the Bears organization, it looks like Eberflus will be calling the defense for the second straight game.

This just adds another responsibility to Eberflus’ plate as he tries to prepare his wineless team against the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead for America’s Game of the Week.

In the 27-17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Eberflus called the defensive plays and the team saw an uptick in pressures from Week 1. According to Pro Football Focus, the Bears generated 21 total hurries against Baker Mayfield — which was a drastic difference from the four hurries the defense created in Week 1 against the Packers when Williams was calling the plays.

Eberflus had a willingness to bring pressure with extra defenders. That was not the case at all when Williams called the plays in the Week 1 blowout to the Packers.

Obviously being on a 12-game losing streak dating back to last season, Justin Fields being critical about coaching and the defensive coordinator resigning is not the position Ebeflus wanted to be in after two games in his second season as head coach, but for Eberflus, he will rely on the experience in his coaching staff to help him navigate through the current situation.

“You focus on here and now,” Eberflus said. “What could we do right now during this time, with the meetings we had this morning. With the improvements we’re gonna make and have a great Wednesday practice. That’s all you can do — be where your feet are, focusing right now.” 

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