In his introductory press conference as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, Ben Johnson made plenty of fans happy not only with his energy but his commitment to competing in the NFC North.
Johnson, who served as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, took a shot at Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur in his first comments to the media. Not only knowing the history of the Bears and Packers rivalry, but his familiarity with LaFleur during his time with Detroit, Johnson said he looks forward to beating the rival franchise twice a year.
The Packers head coach finally had a chance to respond to Johnson, telling reporters at the NFL Owners Meetings this week that he believes the new Bears coach was playing up to the fans with his comments.
Despite Ben Johnson’s opening presser shot at him about “beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” LaFleur does not go way back with Johnson like he does other head coaches.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) April 1, 2025
“I’m sure he’s playing to the fans a little bit.” pic.twitter.com/C0vuSb4yih
"I do not," LaFleur said, via Matt Schneidman, when asked if he goes way back with Johnson. "I'm sure he was playing to the fans a little bit, it is what it is. I'm not going to lose too much sleep over it."
It was a very short and straightforward response from LaFleur as the rivalry between the Packers and Bears could start to pick up steam. While the 2024 season was an extreme disappointment, Chicago was able to close out the year with a win over Green Bay at Lambeau Field, their first since 2018 and first in enemy territory since 2015.
LaFleur may not make much of it, but Johnson won the fanbase over with those first comments about his new bitter rival opposition.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Matt LaFleur not taking bait when it comes to Ben Johnson's trash talk
