The Chicago Bears' search for a defensive coordinator has officially come to an end.
Chicago announced Wednesday that it has hired Indianapolis Colts defensive backs/safeties coach Alan Williams to fill the vacant position.
Williams, 52, worked under new Bears head coach Matt Eberflus during the former Colts defensive coordinator's four-season tenure in Indy (2018-21). The Colts' D ranked among the NFL's best throughout the pair's time together, finishing top 10 in points allowed in three of their four seasons.
With the hiring of Williams now official, Chicago has solidified another key staff position alongside its new general manager Ryan Poles, head coach (Eberflus) and offensive coordinator (Luke Getsy). The Bears also announced two additional hires on Wednesday: Steelers assistant Chris Morgan will coach the offensive line and 11-year assistant Dave Borgonzi, who also worked with Eberflus and Williams in Indy, will coach linebackers. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport later reported Chicago is hiring former Giants receivers coach Tyke Tolbert as their new WRs coach and passing game coordinator.
An NFL assistant since the 2001 campaign, Williams heads to the Windy City with over 20 years of coaching experience, including a two-season run as the Vikings' DC from 2012-13. Minnesota went a combined 15-16-1 during that span, making a Wild Card appearance (24-10 loss to Packers) in 2012 before missing the postseason the following season.
Williams' prior stops also include a prior stint as a DB coach for the Colts (2002-11) and Lions (2014-17).