Ben Johnson made quite an entrance as the Chicago Bears’ new head coach on Wednesday, instantly winning over the fanbase by taking a playful shot at the Green Bay Packers and their head coach Matt LaFleur.
His confident demeanor and bold approach signal an exciting new chapter in one of the NFL’s most storied rivalries.
The scene at Halas Hall was electric as Johnson addressed a captivated audience, outlining his vision for returning the Bears to prominence.
While he spoke highly of the NFC North’s coaching talent and player pool, he couldn’t resist a lighthearted dig at LaFleur, drawing from their recent history as division opponents.
“To be quite frank with you, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” Johnson quipped with a smile on Wednesday.
Bears-Packers: let the games begin. pic.twitter.com/fxJjB9e9xV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2025
The comment stems from Johnson’s impressive track record against LaFleur during his tenure as the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator.
In their six head-to-head matchups, Johnson’s Lions dominated the series, claiming victory in five games. The Packers managed just one win in 2023, despite an explosive 20-point opening quarter.
Johnson’s success extends far beyond his matchups with Green Bay.
Under his guidance, the Lions’ offense reached new heights in 2024, ranking second in total yards with an impressive 409.5 per game and leading the NFL with 70 touchdowns.
Their passing attack was equally formidable, averaging 263.2 yards per game (second in the league), while the ground game contributed a solid 146.4 yards per game (sixth overall).
Now, Bears fans are eager to see Johnson replicate this offensive prowess in Chicago, particularly in developing their anticipated franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams.
Regardless of what unfolds, one thing is certain, the Bears-Packers rivalry just got a whole lot more interesting with Johnson’s arrival.