Chicago Bears players returned to Halas Hall on Tuesday as the team’s voluntary offseason program begins. It marked the first time that coach Ben Johnson had addressed many of the players, including quarterback Caleb Williams, in a team setting.

The second-year pro has seen a lot of turnover in a short period of time. He’s already on his fourth offensive coordinator: Shane Waldron, Thomas Brown, Chris Beatty and now Declan Doyle. Williams also is on his third head coach after Matt Eberflus’ firing in November, and interim head coach Thomas Brown’s departure for New England to be the Patriots’ passing game coordinator and tight ends coach.

[MORE: Ben Johnson explains why passing EPA is so important to Bears 2025 NFL season]

So, is there a different feeling this offseason around Halas Hall for QB1?

“Yeah, this feels different.” Williams told the media Tuesday morning. “The fact that I’ve gone through a year. … I stayed strong, and I think that’s the difference to it so far for me and the feeling for me.”

Johnson was hired to improve a Bears roster that didn’t meet expectations in 2024. In order to right the ship in 2025 and beyond, the relationship between Johnson and Williams is paramount.

“Obviously, you know what Ben has been able to do, brings some excitement for me.” Williams said. “I think us growing together is key. Him pushing me [is] key.”

“It’s a QB-driven league. And being able to have that position right on every team, that’s why that position is so important. … If you have that position right, it helps with a bunch of different things,” Williams affirmed.

“Building that bond, him pushing me, us growing together for the years to come, it’s going to be fun. I can’t wait.”

While there has been optimism surrounding the Bears in previous seasons, Williams and Co. are hoping for better results for years to come under Johnson.