Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur expressed surprise at comments made by Ben Johnson, the new head coach of the Chicago Bears, during an offseason press conference. Johnson’s remarks, which many interpreted as a playful jab, have fueled the rivalry between the two teams as they prepare for their upcoming matchup.
In January 2024, when introduced as the Bears’ head coach, Johnson said, “I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.” This comment caught LaFleur off guard, as he told FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer that he did not understand the intent behind Johnson’s statement. Glazer noted, “There is no history at all” between the two coaches. LaFleur responded to Glazer, clarifying, “We’re not! I don’t know, I’m shocked over this.”
LaFleur has been at the helm of the Packers since 2019, emerging from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, while Johnson has built his reputation through various roles, including a stint as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions under Dan Campbell. Despite LaFleur’s earlier comments on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast indicating he held “no beef” with Johnson, at least one member of his coaching staff viewed the remarks differently. Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavch remarked, “Yeah, you take it personal for sure. I’ll just leave it at that.”
Rivalry Heats Up Ahead of Key Matchup
The back-and-forth exchange between LaFleur and Johnson adds another layer to the storied rivalry between the Packers and Bears. As of now, both teams are vying for dominance in the NFC North, with the Bears holding a record of 9-3 and the Packers at 8-3-1. The stakes are high for their upcoming game, scheduled for Sunday, which could determine the frontrunner for the division and potentially an opportunity to secure the NFC’s top seed.
With the rivalry reignited, Johnson’s comments may serve to intensify the competition. Glazer noted, “He was trying to stoke the rivalry, get under Matt’s skin and really add to the rivalry.” This anticipation builds not only excitement among fans but also adds pressure on both coaching staffs as they prepare for a critical game.
As the countdown to the matchup continues, LaFleur and Johnson will likely remain in the spotlight, with their interactions drawing attention from both media and fans. The upcoming game promises to be a compelling chapter in the ongoing saga of one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries.
