Matt Eberflus will call defensive plays for Bears while Alan Williams away for personal reasons

Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus said Friday that defensive coordinator Alan Williams won’t travel with the team for Week 2’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for personal reasons.

Eberflus will take over defensive playcalling in Williams’ absence.

#Bears HC Matt Eberflus reveals that DC Alan Williams will not travel to Tampa for Sunday’s game due to personal reasons. Eberflus, who was Colts defensive coordinator from 2018-21, will call defensive plays.

— Larry Mayer (@LarryMayer) September 15, 2023

Eberflus didn’t offer a timeline for Alan Williams’ return, which suggests something serious is happening. There’s no indication of whether it’s family or health-related.

The Bears’ defense allowed 31 points in Week 1 to the Green Bay Packers (the other seven points resulted from Justin Fields’ pick-6). They enter Week 2 ranked 25th in passing yards allowed and 29th in passing touchdowns allowed. Their one sack ranks 26th.

The Bears travel to Tampa Bay to take on the 1-0 Buccaneers on Sunday, Sept. 17 at 12 p.m. CST (1 p.m. EST).

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