Ben Johnson Trolls Matt LaFleur: The Green Bay Packers Head Coach Responds to Bears Rivalry Comments

The rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears is one of the most storied in the NFL, and with the recent coaching change in Chicago, the competition between the two teams is bound to heat up even more. When Ben Johnson, the newly hired head coach of the Bears, took a jab at Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, it immediately caught the attention of NFL fans across the league. Johnson’s playful remarks about enjoying beating LaFleur twice a year during his time as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator were met with a response from LaFleur himself. Here’s a breakdown of the comments, the rivalry, and what it means for the Packers and Bears moving forward.

Ben Johnson’s Troll on Matt LaFleur

When Ben Johnson took over as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, he wasted no time stirring the pot. During a media interview, he claimed that he “enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year” while he was the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Johnson went on to joke that this was one of the reasons he decided to accept the coaching job in Chicago. His remarks were playful, but they hit a nerve with Packers fans, given the long-standing rivalry between the two teams.

The Bears and Packers have a fierce rivalry, with both franchises striving for dominance in the NFC North. Johnson’s comments about enjoying success over LaFleur’s Packers certainly set the stage for a new chapter in this rivalry, now with both coaches at the helm of their respective teams.

Matt LaFleur Responds to the Jab

LaFleur, never one to shy away from addressing the competition, responded to Johnson’s comments when asked by reporters. According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, LaFleur said, “I’m sure he’s playing to the fans a little bit. It is what it is.”

While LaFleur’s response was measured and calm, it was clear that the rivalry was far from lost on him. The Packers head coach acknowledged Johnson’s comments with a bit of humor, but deep down, you can be sure that LaFleur is fired up about the challenge of facing the Bears under Johnson’s leadership. The rivalry between these two NFC North teams is about to get even more interesting.

The Packers’ Struggles Against the Lions: A Key Factor in the Rivalry

The comments from Johnson are particularly timely, given the Packers’ recent struggles against the Lions. In 2024, the Packers lost to Detroit in both of their regular-season matchups. The first loss came in Week 9, where the Lions triumphed 24-14, and the second was in Week 14, with Detroit edging out the Packers 34-31.

In both games, Johnson’s play calling as the Lions’ offensive coordinator played a significant role in Green Bay’s inability to keep up. Those losses added fuel to the fire for Packers fans who were already facing the frustrations of watching their team struggle in big moments. Now, with Johnson leading the Bears, LaFleur will have the opportunity to get some revenge and prove his coaching prowess against his former divisional foe.

Looking Ahead: The New Packers vs. Bears Showdown

With both LaFleur and Johnson now serving as head coaches for their respective teams, the stakes of their meetings will be higher than ever. Every win in this rivalry will carry that much more weight, especially with playoff implications potentially on the line. The Packers and Bears will meet twice a season, and each game will add to the rich history of one of the NFL’s most enduring rivalries.

For LaFleur, the chance to take down Johnson and the Bears in front of a national audience will be a motivating factor. While Johnson’s trolling was playful, LaFleur will be eager to show that the Packers remain the dominant team in the NFC North, regardless of who is coaching the Bears.

Packers’ Playoff Hopes: The Path to Contention

Despite the rivalry and the head-to-head drama, the Packers are focusing on building a championship-caliber roster. In 2024, Green Bay made the playoffs with an 11-6 record but fell short in the Wild Card round with a 22-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. While that was a solid showing, the Packers are still aiming for bigger things, and for that, they will need to make several key improvements.

One area that continues to be a topic of discussion is the Packers’ offense. While Jordan Love has shown potential as a solid quarterback, many experts believe the offense won’t truly take the next step until the front office addresses the glaring need for a legitimate No. 1 wide receiver. The Packers’ ability to find that star receiver will be crucial if they are to contend for a Super Bowl in the near future.

Conclusion: A Rivalry Reignited

The comments made by Ben Johnson have only added another layer of intensity to the already heated rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. As both teams head into the 2025 season, with Johnson now at the helm in Chicago, the matchups between these two NFC North giants will be highly anticipated.

LaFleur’s calm response shows he’s focused on the bigger picture, but make no mistake—he’s well aware of the challenge Johnson presents. With both teams hungry for success, this rivalry is set to be one of the most exciting storylines in the coming seasons. And for Packers fans, there’s no doubt that LaFleur will be aiming to make the most of the opportunity to outcoach Johnson on the biggest stage.