With heightened expectations in 2024, Bears begin their offseason program

(670 The Score) With a much-anticipated new season on the horizon, the Bears are preparing for what's to come.

The Bears began their offseason program Monday at Halas Hall, kicking it off with phase one work, which is limited to meetings, strength and conditioning work and rehabilitation. Twenty-five teams started their offseason programs Monday. Teams with new head coaches were permitted to begin earlier in April.

For the Bears, the workouts come amid a potentially transformational offseason of change at Halas Hall. Chicago traded three-year starting quarterback Justin Fields in March and is expected to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, which begins April 25.

The Bears also made key additions in free agency by signing safety Kevin Byard and running back D’Andre Swift and acquired six-time Pro Bowl receiver Keenan Allen in a trade with the Chargers.

Coach Matt Eberflus, who's 10-24 over two seasons in Chicago, enters his third year with the Bears with greater expectations. He made his own changes this offseason as well, headlined by firing offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and replacing him with Shane Waldron. Eberflus also overhauled much of the Bears’ offensive staff.

Phase one of the offseason program lasts two weeks before a three-week second phase allows for limited on-field workouts. On May 20, the Bears will begin a string of six practices in OTAs and then will conduct veteran minicamp from June 4-6 at Halas Hall. Participation is mandatory for all players at veteran minicamp. Media viewing of practice will be permitted on select dates of OTAs as well as each of the three veteran minicamp practices.

The Bears will hold just six practices during OTAs instead of nine due to their participation in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 1, which also will require an early start to their training camp.

Last year, the Bears reported for training camp on July 25 at Halas Hall. The team hasn't announced its report date for this year, though it's expected to be in mid-July in order to accommodate the four-game preseason schedule.

The NFL hasn't yet announced its schedule for the 2024 regular season. Week 1 games are set to be played Thursday, Sept. 5 through Monday, Sept. 9.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .