It didn’t take long for head coach Ben Johnson to introduce himself to the Chicago Bears vs. Green Bay Packers rivalry. In his introductory press conference with the Bears, Johnson took a shot at Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
The two coaches had plenty of experience facing off against one another with Johnson formerly being the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator. While giving credit to the level of coaching in the NFC North, Johnson put LaFleur in his place, with a smile, via Adam Schefter of ESPN.
“To be quite frank with you, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” Johnson said.
Bears-Packers: let the games begin. pic.twitter.com/fxJjB9e9xV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2025
While Johnson’s press conference came back in January, LaFleur has finally responded to the call out. It didn’t seem to phase him much, as LaFleur doesn’t know Johnson on a personal level. Continually asked if there was a real beef between the two by Taylor Lewan and Will Compton, LaFleur just brushed off the questions, via Bussin with the Boys.
“I don’t know Ben Johnson,” LaFleur said. “I respect him as a football coach. He did a nice job. I thought the press conference was interesting. I don’t have beef with him. I don’t get into all that stuff.”
Does Matt LaFleur have beef with Ben Johnson? 😭 pic.twitter.com/KPgTb9RKwU
— Captain Caleb (@captaincaleb18) April 29, 2025
Ben Johnson reignites Chicago Bears-Packers beef
© David Banks-Imagn Images
As long as there is the NFL, and the Bears and Packers remain organization, there will always be animosity between both teams. One of the best rivalries in sports, each matchup between both franchises mean something. But the end of the 2024 season shows where both Chicago and Green Bay stand in terms of their rivalry entering the Johnson era.
Entering the game on a 10-game losing streak, the Bears knocked off the Packers in Week 17 with a 24-22 victory. However, Green Bay had already locked up their playoff spot and opted to play backup Malik Willis for most of the game. So while the Bears won the battle, the Packers had a far more successful 2024 campaign.
Which has been common in both franchise’s recent history. Outside of 2022, Green Bay has made the playoffs every season since 2019. They were Super Bowl champions in 2010. That was the same year Chicago won their last postseason matchup. The Bears haven’t been to the playoffs since 2020.
So while there has been plenty of hype riding Johnson’s coattails, they must prove it on the gridiron before they’re truly claimed kings of the North. Still, the Bears seem to be much more prepared to put up with a Packers fight in 2025. At least Johnson is with his fighting words.
What was interesting about Johnson’s call out is the fact that the two coaches truly don’t know each other. It wasn’t a friendly gesture between buddies. Johnson wanted to start off his Bears tenure with a bang. LaFleur can choose to ignore it, but he must acknowledge that a new threat is brewing in the Windy City.
Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur are not pals. They don't have a shared history together or any coaching connections or shared mentors. Calling another coach out by name– one you're not buddies with– in the introductory press conference? It's on.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) January 23, 2025
Chicago Bears second-round pick committed to major change before NFL leap
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