Bears coach Matt Eberflus to take over defensive play-calling duties; says Justin Fields was being a 'leader'

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Second-year Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus offered his first public comments since the abrupt departure of defensive coordinator Alan Williams and the remarks from quarterback Justin Fields about the coaching staff.

"I was with him four years, five years. I have a lot of friendship, feelings for him. He’s resigned, and it’s for health and family, and we’ll see where it goes from there. I have feelings for Alan Williams, of course," Eberflus said Friday about Williams' decision to step down.

Eberflus has experience coaching a defense. He was the Indianapolis Colts' defensive coordinator for four seasons prior to taking over as head coach in Chicago. 

Williams handled the defensive play-calling responsibilities last season and during the first two games of 2023, but Eberflus will take over that job for the foreseeable future.

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Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus and defensive coordinator Alan Williams chat during practice June 8, 2022, at Halas Hall in Lake Forest, Ill.  (Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Eberflus said the Bears declined to go into more detail about Williams' decision in an effort to respect his privacy.

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"It’s personal, so people are respecting space and respecting that, I believe," Eberflus said.

Eberflus and the Bears' defense will face the tough task of trying to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in a Week 3 matchup Sunday.

Head coach Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half of a