The Chicago Bears’ human resources department reportedly fired another coach this week due to issues with his “behavior in the workplace.”
The 2023 season for the Bears has been just as frustrating as last season. They opened up the campaign continuing their losing streak from 2022 and quarterback Justin Fields again battling injuries. However, a notable difference from last year is the unexpected in-season turnover of the coaching staff.
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The organization made headlines a few weeks ago when it was revealed that defensive coordinator Alan Williams abruptly resigned from his position. It was later explained in reports that the team’s HR department had a role in his departure due to “inappropriate activity” on the job.
“I am taking a step back to take care of my health and family. I appreciate the opportunity to work with the Chicago Bears, a storied NFL franchise with a rich history,” Williams wrote in a statement after resigning. “The McCaskey family is first-class and second to none. I would also like to thank Coach Matt Eberflus and General Manager Ryan Poles for giving me the opportunity to come to Chicago.”
Head coach Matt Eberflus ended up taking over the defensive play calling after Williams’ departure.
Chicago Bears fired running backs coach over his ‘behavior in the workplace’
However, the former coordinator is not the only member of the coaching staff who has been forced to leave by the organization this season. On Wednesday morning, ESPN reported that running backs coach David Walker has been fired by the organization due to “behavior in the workplace.”
Following the report, Eberflus released a statement claiming Walker was not maintaining the “standard” required of his position.
“As the head coach, we are building a program and have standards to uphold as a staff and organization, both on and off the field, and those standards were not met,” Eberflus said. “I’m not going to get into details other than he’s no longer on the staff.”
Related: Chicago Bears provide Justin Fields injury update as QB remains sidelined
The team does not have an assistant running backs coach, but another member of the staff is expected to replace the 53-year-old in the coming weeks.
A source told ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter that despite the Bears’ HR department having a role in Williams and Walker’s departures, the two incidents are unrelated despite both being similar situations of bad behavior in the workplace.
