Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has finally responded after Ben Johnson commented during his opening press conference with the Bears on how he ‘enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year’ while he was in Detroit.
Ben Johnson Takes Shots at Packers HC After Remaining in the NFC North
Johnson had an impressive stint as the passing game coordinator and then offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions. He received significant praise and league-wide recognition for his role in elevating them from a 3-13 team in 2021 to becoming the powerhouse they are today. Through creative play design and aggressive play-calling, the offense won the NFC North with 12 and then 15 wins respectively over the past two seasons.
This incredible transformation landed both their offensive and defensive coordinators head coaching opportunities. DC Aaron Glenn landed himself at the New York Jets, while Johnson went to the windy city to take over the Chicago Bears – staying in the division. During his Jan. 22 opening press conference, he unexpectedly fired shots at Packers coach LaFleur.
When explaining that he wanted to stay in the NFC North, Johnson stated that it is “the toughest division in football right now”, and referenced the fact that three teams made the playoffs in 2024 – the Lions (15-2), Vikings (14-3) and Packers (11-6). He also added that both Detroit HC Dan Campbell and Minnesota’s Kevin O’Connell were in the running for Coach of the Year at the NFL Honors. O’Connell did, in fact, go on to win the award.
After complimenting the other two NFC North head coaches, Johnson said, “And to be quite frank with you, I quite enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.”
Matt LaFleur Responds to Johnson’s Comment
This unprovoked jab at a divisional rival caught the attention of many fans on social media and was one of the most discussed moments of the press conference. During the 2025 NFL owners’ meetings, LaFleur spoke with the media and was asked how he felt about Johnson’s remark.
After confirming that they didn’t have any personal history or relationship, LaFleur laughed off the comments. He said: “I’m sure he’s playing to the fans a little bit… It is what it is. I’m not going to lose too much sleep over that.”
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.
“I’m sure he’s playing to the fans a little bit.” pic.twitter.com/C0vuSb4yih
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) April 1, 2025
Despite dismissing the shots that Johnson fired, it is clear that LaFleur feels they were unwarranted.
Johnson vs. LaFleur – An Intriguing Rivalry
As the 2025 season approaches, this budding rivalry will be interesting to watch. Johnson did have a lot of success against Green Bay during his time in Detroit – with a 5-1 record. However, he now joins a Bears organisation that has struggled mightily to defeat LaFleur’s Packers. Through six seasons at the helm, he boasts a decisive 11-1 record against Chicago.
While the fighting talk sets up an exciting storyline to keep an eye on this year, it’s clear that Johnson has his work cut out if he wants to turn the 5-12 Bears around and back his comments up.
The two meetings of these teams will be announced when the NFL schedule is revealed in May. Until then, both organisations will turn their attention to the NFL Draft.