Each NFL offseason, the coaching carousel is pretty wild, with many changing teams and earning promotions. The dream of just about every NFL coach is to run their own team someday, and that is an opportunity that former Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson jumped at last offseason. Johnson was the top coaching option on the market, and many thought he could have chosen just about any of the openings.
That is why it was a surprise to some when he chose to take over the Chicago Bears, one of the Lions’ biggest rivals. Johnson most likely made his decision based on the quarterback he would work with (Caleb Williams) and the organizational structure, but that didn’t make it any less of a shock to his former team.
Lions Players Were ‘Thrown Off’ By Ben Johnson Choosing the Bears
There is bad blood between Chicago and Detroit, as there is with many rivals in the NFL. Former Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone joined Jordan Schultz to discuss Johnson leaving for the Bears last season.
“I wasn’t surprised he left, but I think we were all thrown off that he picked Chicago.”
Former Lions LB Alex Anzalone on Ben Johnson choosing to accept the Bears’ HC offer: “I wasn’t surprised he left, but I think we were all thrown off that he picked Chicago.” https://t.co/dLQ7s6yemO pic.twitter.com/k6uaTM03Z8
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 9, 2026
Anzalone mentioned there is “bad blood between the two organizations,” which likely led many Lions players to feel betrayed by their former coach. Johnson did a great job for the Bears in his first season as coach. He led them to an 11-6 record and NFC North title. However, he did lose both games to the Lions during the season.
The Bears were one of the league’s surprise teams last season, as winning the division was not something many people saw coming; they also won a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers after falling down 21-3. Johnson was able to get the most out of Williams, which was vital in the team’s success. He showed all the traits that made him a former No. 1 pick, and the two should only get better as they continue to work together in Year 2.
The Bears-Lions rivalry will continue to flourish in 2026, especially because Johnson has been unable to beat his former team as a head coach. The Lions are expected to have a bounce-back season, and the two matchups between these rivals should be must-see TV.
