Exploring three options for Bears' next DC

In a shocking statement Wednesday, Bears defensive coordinator Alan Williams officially resigned from the role after nearly a week away from the team. He cited health and family concerns as the cause of the decision and mentioned he plans to coach again in the future. 

Head coach Matt Eberflus has already said he’ll call defensive plays again on Sunday, but that seems like a stopgap rather than a permanent solution. If the Bears eventually open up the search for a new defensive coordinator, a few names stand out as front-runners for the role.

Rod Marinelli

Although Marinelli officially retired last year, there’s no reason Eberflus shouldn’t pull out all the stops in order to try to get him back, if the Bears look to fill the position externally. He boasts four seasons’ experience in the Navy and Orange, as he served as DC for then-Bears head coach Lovie Smith from 2010 to 2013. He has a personal connection to Eberflus as well, as the latter worked as a linebackers coach for Marinelli when he was in Dallas. He has loads of experience in Chicago’s Cover-2 scheme and could be a stabilizer for a team full of turmoil.

Andre Curtis

If the Bears look to fill the position internally, Curtis may be the leading candidate. Currently serving as the team’s safeties coach, he has loads of experience and is held in high regard by the defensive secondary in Chicago, especially Eddie Jackson, who credits him for a large part of his success. Curtis staffed the defensive secondary of the Seahawks teams that featured the “Legion of Boom” and has great overall football IQ.

Leslie Frazier

Frazier is a long shot to join the Bears staff when he comes back in 2024 from a year off, but Eberflus will leave no stone unturned. His role is still empty with the Bills, but if he elects to move on, Frazier would be a fantastic asset to the defense in Chicago. Frazier has multiple ties to Chicago, as he helped turn Bears linebacker Tremaine Edmunds into one of the best at his position, and was part of the legendary 1985 Bears squad as a starting cornerback. Frazier is widely regarded as one of the best coordinators in the NFL and would be a dream hire for many Bears fans.