Bears set offseason schedule

The Chicago Bears on Monday announced the schedule for coach John Fox’s second offseason program and some other notable events.

The nine-week voluntary portion of the program begins April 18 at Halas Hall. Their mandatory minicamp in June 13-16.

The Bears will host their rookie minicamp May 13-15, two weekends after the NFL draft in Chicago. That’s a change from past years when the rookie camp was the first weekend after the draft.

Phase 1 of the offseason program consists of two weeks of strength and conditioning work off the field.

Phase 2, which lasts three weeks beginning May 2, features on-field workouts that may include individual player instruction and drills, as well as team practice conducted on a offense- or defense-only basis. No live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted.

Phase 3, which begins May 23, includes 10 organized team activities (OTAs). No live contact or pads/shells are permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are allowed.

The program wraps up with the mandatory minicamp. None of the practices are open to the public.

The Bears also will host their annual Brian Piccolo awards ceremony on April 26.