Greeted by teammates, coaches and even some light snow, Bears players returned to Halas Hall Monday for the start of the team's voluntary offseason program.

"I wasn't expecting snow today, but it's fun coming back and seeing the guys," said veteran safety Kevin Byard III. "I feel like we just took a little break. The camaraderie is still there, and everybody is excited to get everything back rolling."

"It's been great to see all the faces of teammates, coaches, staff and everybody new," added running back Roschon Johnson. "It's great to get us all in a team setting and kind of get back in the flow of things."

First-year coach Ben Johnson opened the festivities at 9 a.m. by conducting a team meeting. His message, Byard said, focused on being a professional, attention to detail and communication.

"Our first meeting was great today," Byard said. "[Coach Johnson] brought a lot of energy. He's brought an excitement to this city and this team."

Like the rest of Bears nation, players are fired up that Johnson was hired as the team's head coach. The 38-year-old arrives after spending the past three seasons coordinating an explosive Lions offense that led the NFL in scoring during that span, averaging 28.2 points per game.

"We're going to learn a lot more about him," said second-year punter Tory Taylor. "But I think you've only got to turn on the tape from Detroit to see his aggressive mindset, and you can tell he's an aggressive person. It's going to be something new and different, and that's always exciting. It's going to be hard, but we want it to be hard. So, I'm really excited."

The Bears and other NFL teams with new coaches were permitted to start their offseason programs Monday. Clubs with returning coaches must wait until April 21. Teams with new coaches also can hold an extra voluntary minicamp, which the Bears have scheduled for April 21-23.

NFL offseason programs consist of three phases. During Phase 1, which occurs during the first two weeks, activities are limited to strength and conditioning and physical rehab, with only strength and conditioning coaches allowed on the field with players. Helmets are prohibited, and footballs are permitted on the field only for quarterbacks throwing to receivers provided they are not covered by defenders.

In the second phase, which lasts three weeks, all coaches are allowed on the field. Workouts may include individual player instruction and drills, but helmets and drills pitting the offense against the defense are prohibited.

The third phase, which is conducted over four weeks, may include up to 10 days of organized team activity (OTA) workouts. All coaches are permitted on the field and players may wear helmets, but one-on-one drills involving the offense and defense are not allowed. In addition, live contact is prohibited during all offseason workouts.

The Bears have scheduled OTAs for May 20-22 and 27-30, and June 9-11 for only rookies. Their mandatory full squad minicamp will be June 3-5.