The Chicago Bears are in the middle of an impactful offseason that has included some big changes from the top at head coach down to the roster, where the trenches were a focal point. And it's all leading up to the 2025 NFL draft.
Chicago has high expectations heading into a new era under head coach Ben Johnson, who's one of the NFL's brightest offensive minds and assembled a rockstar coaching staff around him. The Bears have made it clear that second-year quarterback Caleb Williams' development is the focal point, and Chicago has done a lot to build around him this offseason.
But before that, the Bears are set to begin their offseason program on Monday, where new head coach Ben Johnson will meet his team, including returning veterans and new additions, to begin preparation for the 2025 season.
As the Bears kick off their offseason program, here’s a look at every move Chicago has made so far this offseason:
Bears hire Ben Johnson
The Bears hired Ben Johnson as their new head coach on Jan. 21. Johnson served as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator for the previous three seasons, where he led one of the NFL's best offenses in that span. Now, Johnson comes to Chicago with an eye toward developing quarterback Caleb Williams and getting the Bears back on the winning track.
Here's a look at Chicago's coaching staff, which includes plenty of new and even a few returning faces:
- Head coach: Ben Johnson
- Defensive coordinator: Dennis Allen
- Offensive coordinator: Declan Doyle
- Special teams coordinator: Richard Hightower
- Assistant head coach: Antwaan Randle El
- Quarterbacks: J.T. Barrett
- Running Backs: Eric Bieniemy
- Wide Receivers: Antwaan Randle El
- Tight Ends: Jim Dray
- Offensive Line: Dan Roushar
- Pass Game Coordinator: Press Taylor
- Defensive Line: Jeremy Garrett
- Defensive Backs/Pass Game Coordinator: Al Harris
- Linebackers: Richard Smith
- Quarterbacks/Wide Receivers Assistant: Robbie Picazo
- Offensive Line Assistant: Kyle DeVan
- Offensive Quality Control: Matt Aponte
- Offensive Quality Control: Zach Cable
- Senior Defensive Assistant/Defensive Line: Bill Johnson
- Assistant Defensive Backs/Safeties: Matt Giordano
- Assistant Linebackers: Kevin Koch
- Defensive Assistant/Nickels: Cannon Matthews
- Defensive Quality Control: Kenny Norton III
- Assistant Special Teams: Anthony Blevins
Bears release DeMarcus Walker, Gerald Everett
The Bears made some salary-cap saving moves when they elected to part ways with defensive end DeMarcus Walker and tight end Gerald Everett.
Bears trade for Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson
Before free agency kicked off, Chicago agreed to terms on a pair of trades to acquire guards Joe Thuney, an All-Pro with the Kansas City Chiefs, and Jonah Jackson, a Pro Bowler who played under Ben Johnson with the Detroit Lions. The Bears gave up a 2026 fourth rounder for Thuney and 2025 sixth rounder for Jackson. It was the beginning of a complete overhaul of the interior offensive line in ...
