Ben Johnson was about a minute into an opening statement Wednesday filled with the typical musings of a first-year coach — he praised his players’ work in the weight room and bemoaned their struggles lining up in the wrong place at practice — when he did something his predecessor rarely attempted.

Ben Johnson has been all smiles since being hired as the Chicago Bears' newest head coach in January. The 39-year-old has a commanding presence at the podium and has discussed his excitement for getting things started throughout a variety of interviews and press conferences.

There were a few players absent today including nickle Kyler Gordon, wideout Luther Burden, safety Elijah Hicks, corner Terell Smith, defensive linemen Zacch Pickens and Andrew Billings, and offensive linemen Braxton Jones and Ryan Bates. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland was present but was still sidelined.