Ben Johnson, the newly appointed head coach of the Chicago Bears, has wasted no time in igniting the rivalry with the Green Bay Packers and their head coach, Matt LaFleur. During his introductory press conference on January 22, 2025, Johnson expressed his enthusiasm for coaching in what he described as “the toughest division in football” and took a playful jab at LaFleur by stating, “I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year” while reflecting on his successful tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions
Johnson’s comments come on the heels of a successful run with the Lions, where he led the team to victories over the Packers in both 2022 and 2024. Under his guidance, the Lions boasted one of the most prolific offenses in the NFL, finishing second in total offense and scoring a league-high 70 touchdowns during the 2024 season
His confidence is evident as he aims to replicate that success with the Bears, who have struggled to find their footing in recent years.The rivalry between the Bears and Packers has always been intense, and Johnson’s remarks have added an extra layer of excitement as both teams prepare for the upcoming season. With a talented roster that includes quarterback Caleb Williams, who was drafted first overall in 2024, Johnson believes that the Bears are a “sleeping giant” ready to compete at a higher level
As Johnson steps into this new role, he acknowledges the pressures that come with making bold statements about rivals. However, he seems undeterred, focusing instead on building a competitive team capable of reversing Chicago’s recent fortunes against Green Bay. The stage is set for a thrilling new chapter in this historic rivalry as both coaches prepare their teams for battle in the NFC North
