The Chicago Bears plan to hire a senior defensive analyst in the near future, a move intended to help the coaching staff regroup after last month’s sudden resignation of defensive coordinator Alan Williams.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus said Monday afternoon he has been in contact with several candidates for the new role, which will be primarily responsible for helping the Bears defense do advanced scouting on future opponents.

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“It would give us ideas and things for how to attack that upcoming opponent,” Eberflus said. “Just to get another set of eyes for advancing for us with that.”

Eberflus wouldn’t say who the team has been in contact with and couldn’t offer a timetable for when the hire might be made. But he noted his close friend and mentor Rod Marinelli would not join the Bears. Marinelli was the Bears’ assistant head coach under Lovie Smith for four seasons from 2009-2012, also serving as defensive coordinator for the final three seasons of his time at Halas Hall. Additionally, Marinelli worked with Eberflus on the Dallas Cowboys staff for five seasons (2013-17).

“He’s very comfortable in retirement,” Eberflus said Monday.

Eberflus has been handling the defensive coordinator duties for the Bears since Week 2 when Williams abruptly stepped away from the team as it was preparing for its game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Williams formally resigned the following week, citing health and family reasons in a statement. Multiple sources, however, told the Tribune that Williams’ exit was conduct-related.

Either way, it left the Bears with a void on their defensive staff and has forced Eberflus to take on additional responsibility as he juggles head coaching duties with his defensive coordinator work.

Ideally, Eberflus said, he would like to hire someone with experience in the league and an understanding of the Bears’ defensive system.

“It’s important to get the right guy,” he said.

Once hired, Eberflus said, that analyst could likely spend time working remotely or be based out of Halas Hall. Or a combination of both.

“We’re still working through that,” Eberflus said.

The Bears defense played well in Thursday night’s 40-20 blowout of the Washington Commanders, contributing five sacks and two takeaways in a victory that snapped the team’s 14-game losing streak. That unit could be getting healthier in Week 6 as well with cornerback Kyler Gordon designated to return from injured reserve and perhaps in line to be on the field Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. Fellow cornerback Jaylon Johnson (hamstring) and Eddie Jackson (foot) may also have a chance to return this week.

After five games, the Bears currently rank No. 29 in total defense (384.2 yards per game) and No. 30 in points allowed (31.4 ppg). They are also tied for 22nd in takeaways (four) and tied for 28th in sacks (seven).