The Chicago Bears officially kicked off their 2025 offseason training program this week, signaling a fresh chapter under newly appointed head coach Ben Johnson. The program, which focuses on strength, conditioning, and team culture, marks the first formal step in preparing for a pivotal season. The Bears, carrying a strong draft hand with seven total picks—including the coveted No. 1 overall selection—aim to reset their trajectory after a frustrating 2024 campaign.
Ben Johnson wasted no time laying the foundation. He met with players, introduced the coaching staff, and presented a clear vision for the franchise’s future. His message remained simple but powerful: discipline, innovation, and relentless effort will define this new era in Chicago.
Ben Johnson Takes the Helm
Johnson joined the Bears after a successful stint as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. In Detroit, he designed one of the most dynamic and balanced offenses in the NFL. Analysts credited him with Jared Goff’s resurgence and the Lions’ playoff run in 2023. His schemes emphasized timing, spacing, and mismatches—principles he now plans to implement in Chicago.
General Manager Ryan Poles hired Johnson to inject creativity and modernity into the Bears’ stagnant offense. Over the past two seasons, Chicago ranked near the bottom in passing yards and third-down conversion rate. Johnson intends to change that narrative immediately.
“I don’t want a team that waits to react,” Johnson told reporters after the first team meeting. “We attack, we dictate the tempo, and we play smart football. That starts now.”
Weight Room Focus and Physical Rebuild
The initial phase of the offseason program focuses on physical development. Players reported to Halas Hall for strength and conditioning sessions, led by new strength coach Joe Dineen. Dineen revamped the entire weight room strategy, introducing more movement-based training, position-specific agility drills, and recovery science.
Veterans like linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and tight end Cole Kmet took leadership roles during these sessions. Edmunds rallied the defense during warmups and encouraged younger teammates through reps. Kmet, returning from an offseason ankle injury, worked at half-speed but still took part in walk-throughs.
New staff members monitored hydration levels, sleep patterns, and recovery rates daily. They introduced wearable tech to optimize performance feedback. The Bears want players to feel stronger, faster, and more durable than ever before by training camp.
Quarterback Situation Remains Front and Center
The most anticipated storyline surrounds the quarterback room. With the No. 1 pick in hand, speculation continues to swirl around who will lead the Bears’ offense in 2025. Caleb Williams, the Heisman-winning quarterback from USC, remains the front-runner. However, incumbent QB Justin Fields still commands respect in the locker room and continues to work out with the team.
Fields arrived early on Day 1. He met with Johnson and quarterbacks coach Brian Griese for a film session before official workouts began. He also joined throwing drills, showing leadership and athleticism. Sources say Johnson appreciated Fields’ professionalism and open communication, but the team has not made a final decision.
“We evaluate everything,” Johnson said when asked about the QB decision. “This process involves film, interviews, and on-field work. We want the best fit for this team moving forward.”
Draft Preparation Intensifies
As the offseason program continues, the Bears ramp up their draft scouting. They own seven picks, including two first-rounders (No. 1 and No. 9 overall). Poles and his scouting department conducted private workouts with top quarterback prospects, offensive tackles, and edge rushers in recent weeks.
Johnson joined these visits, personally interviewing Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and J.J. McCarthy. Sources say the staff also grew fond of wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., though the team would need to trade up or down to secure him depending on their top priority.
“We want high-character, smart, and explosive players,” Poles told Bears reporters. “Talent matters, but fit matters more. This draft will shape our franchise for years.”
The Bears’ war room now includes more collaboration between scouting and coaching staff. Johnson attends daily draft meetings and reviews scheme fit for each priority position. The front office expects to finalize their draft board by April 20, five days before the 2025 NFL Draft.
Roster Changes and Free Agency Review
The Bears made several key additions in free agency before the start of the offseason program. They signed offensive guard Jonah Jackson from Detroit to bolster interior protection. Defensive tackle Grover Stewart joined the defensive line rotation, adding experience and run-stuffing ability.
On offense, the Bears brought in veteran wide receiver Darnell Mooney on a one-year deal to mentor younger receivers like Tyler Scott and Velus Jones Jr. They also added depth at running back with the signing of D’Onta Foreman, who returns to Chicago after a year in Cleveland.
Departures included center Cody Whitehair and cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who joined the Miami Dolphins in a lucrative deal. The Bears believe second-year cornerback Tyrique Stevenson can step up to fill that gap.
Culture Reset in Full Swing
Ben Johnson doesn’t only focus on X’s and O’s. He emphasizes team culture, accountability, and communication. He introduced daily team huddles, player-led leadership groups, and weekly mental wellness workshops led by performance psychologists. The Bears want players to grow on and off the field.
Johnson and Poles also revamped the locker room layout. They removed seniority-based seating and mixed veterans with rookies. They introduced a “Bear Talks” board where players can post motivational quotes, challenges, or appreciation for teammates.
“We build from trust,” Johnson told the team on Day 2. “That doesn’t happen in film rooms. It starts in these conversations, in how we treat each other every day.”
Schedule and What’s Next
The offseason program will run in three phases:
- Phase 1 (April 8–April 26): Strength, conditioning, and meetings.
- Phase 2 (April 29–May 17): On-field drills without contact or helmets.
- Phase 3 (May 20–June 14): Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with full team sessions.
Veteran minicamp will follow in mid-June, while training camp begins in late July. The team will release exact dates after finalizing preseason joint practices.
Until then, every player fights for a spot on the roster and every coach builds toward September. Johnson already set the tone. “We don’t wait for success. We create it,” he told players. “And we start today.”
Final Thoughts
The Bears stand at a crossroads. A new coach, a top draft pick, and a retooled roster offer hope—but also pressure. Ben Johnson now leads a proud franchise hungry for relevance, results, and redemption. He brought a modern approach, fresh energy, and a relentless focus on details.
Chicago hasn’t won a playoff game since 2010. Fans demand more. Ownership expects progress. And the players—led by voices like Fields, Edmunds, and Kmet—want to change the narrative.
Johnson believes in this vision. The Bears already started the work. Now they aim to prove that belief on the field.
