Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams resigns from the franchise in mysterious circumstances

Chicago Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams has resigned from the team.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report Williams resigned. The 53-year-old released a statement Wednesday afternoon.

“It is with great regret that I tender my resignation as defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears Football Club, effective immediately,” the statement said.

“I’m taking a step back to take care of my health and my family. I appreciate the opportunity to work with the Chicago Bears, an NFL franchise with a rich history.

“I would also like to thank Coach Matt Eberflus and General Manager Ryan Poles for giving me the opportunity to come to Chicago.

“I appreciate the NFL Shield and everything it represents and after taking the time to look after my health, I plan to come back and coach again.”

Williams remained out of the team Wednesday after missing a game for personal reasons, and coach Matt Eberflus would not comment on whether he still had his job.

“I don’t have any updates at this time,” Eberflus said during his press conference.

Eberflus gave that exact answer twice when asked if he anticipated Williams returning this season and if the two had spoken.

Williams, in his second season as Chicago’s defensive coordinator, missed last week’s game at Tampa Bay after passing in the opener against the Green Bay Packers.

Eberflus, a former Indianapolis defensive coordinator, called a play against the Buccaneers and plans to do so “at that time” when the Bears (0-2) visit Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday.

A report released earlier Wednesday suggesting that the FBI raided the team’s facility at Halas Hall and that former Bears player turned FBI agent Charles “Peanut” Tillman was involved was shut down by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

‘Clarity: — The FBI did not raid Halas Hall today. The league is not involved. Peanut Tillman is in no way involved in this matter,” Rapoport said. tweeted.

Head coach Matt Eberflus declined to discuss Williams’ absence from the team Wednesday.

Eberflus said the Bears can do without a defensive coordinator and doesn’t see that becoming an issue because of the experience of his staff.

“I think with the experience we have on defense, I don’t think it’s a problem,” he said.

Wednesday was a somewhat chaotic day for the Bears franchise with Justin Fields’ opening press conference raising eyebrows.

Fields said he receives too much information from the coaching staff and overthinks instead of trusting his instincts.

Fields said he played “kind of like a robot” in last week’s loss at Tampa Bay.

“It could be training, I think,” he said. “They’re doing their job when they give me what I need to watch, but at the end of the day I can’t think about it when the game comes.

“I prepare throughout the week and then when the game comes it’s time to play for free then. Think less and play more.

Justin Fields added further drama by suggesting coaching has been a problem for him lately.

Following his reaction, Fields called an impromptu conference in which he attempted to clarify his earlier comments.

“I don’t blame the coaches,” he said. “I will never blame the coaches or my teammates.

‘I’ll take everything – whatever happens in a game – I’ll take all the blame. I don’t care if it’s a dropped pass and it should have been a pass. Put that on me.’