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New Bears coach Ben Johnson addresses dig at Packers HC Matt LaFleur

by: Alex Byington01/24/25_AlexByington
BenJohnson-MattLaFleur
Ben Johnson (David Banks-Imagn Images) | Matt LaFleur (Mark Hoffman-Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Newly-minted Chicago head coach Ben Johnson didn’t waste any time inflaming the longstanding NFC North rivalry with Green Bay, taking an obvious dig at Packers coach Matt LaFleur during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

“Dan Campbell, Kevin O’Connell, you’re talking about two guys that are up for coach of the year awards as the season ends here,” Johnson said during Wednesday’s press conference. “And to be quite frank with you, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.”

Now, two days after that shot across the bow, Johnson attempted to clear the air during a Friday morning appearance on ESPN‘s First Take.

“It’s just some friendly banter. I have a lot of respect for Matt, I’ve told him that as recently as a month ago. So it comes from a good place,” Johnson said Friday. “Listen, there’s a strong rivalry between the Bears and the Packers. I’m well aware of it. I’m well aware of this division. I have a ton of respect, obviously for all the coaches. I think there’s 17 Pro Bowl players here. There’s a ton of talent (in the NFC North).

“If anything, it’s all about competition. And, listen, we’re going to get their best shot, we’re going to give them our best shot, and we’ll see where the chips fall.”

Ben Johnson dives right into Bears-Packers rivalry

Johnson knows a thing or two about the division, having served on the Detroit Lions coaching staff under Campbell for four seasons — the last three as offensive coordinator. And as Johnson mentioned, the Lions have gotten the better of the Packers over that time. Detroit is 6-2 against Green Bay since 2021. In 2022 and ’24, the Lions swept the season series.

But the Lions-Packers rivalry is one thing. Bears-Packers is another, a rivalry which dates back to their first meeting in 1921. The Packers lead the all-time series, 108-96-6. Chicago did defeat the Packers in their most recent meeting in Week 18 this season, snapping an 11-game losing streak that went back to 2018. With Johnson at the helm, the Bears can only hope for more success against their archrivals.

Johnson was the most sought-after head coaching candidate this hiring cycle, orchestrating a top-five offense in football over the last three seasons in Detroit. The 38-year-old might be the most innovative offensive play-caller in the game and deserves credit for getting the best out of quarterback Jared Goff. The Bears need more from 2024 No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and are banking on the partnership with Johnson to be a winning one.

Nick Geddes contributed to this report.