Bears Coach Ben Johnson Intensifies Packers Rivalry with Candid Admission
The historic rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers has taken a sharp personal turn, with new Bears head coach Ben Johnson openly acknowledging he has no relationship with Packers coach Matt LaFleur. This revelation adds fuel to one of the NFL's most storied competitions, where the Packers lead with 109 wins in 213 meetings, leaving the Bears with 98 victories.
'We Don't Talk': Johnson's Blunt Stance on LaFleur Relationship
During an interview with NBC Sports' Mike Florio at the NFL Combine, Johnson was asked about his interactions with LaFleur. "No, we don't talk," Johnson stated plainly. When pressed on whether he wanted to maintain this silence, Johnson responded without hesitation, "I'm good with it." He confirmed that LaFleur has not attempted to reach out, suggesting the feeling is mutual.
Johnson emphasized the rivalry's nature, saying, "Who likes the Packers? The Bears and the Packers should not like each other. It's as simple as that. That's going to make this rivalry, this game something that people are going to watch here going forward."
Historical Context and Recent Tensions
Johnson, who recently transitioned to the Bears after five years as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, has a history of competitive encounters with LaFleur. In his introductory speech with Chicago, he noted enjoying beating LaFleur twice annually during his Lions tenure.
The tension became visibly apparent after the Bears defeated the Packers in the 2025 NFC Wild Card Round. A viral postgame handshake showed Johnson offering a brief, icy exchange before quickly departing, avoiding any conversation with LaFleur. This interaction set the stage for the current communication breakdown.
Postgame Outburst and Rivalry Fuel
Following that wild card victory, Johnson's winning speech included explicit criticism of the Packers, with reports quoting him as saying, "F**k the Packers! F**k them! I f*****g hate those guys!" This outburst likely contributed to LaFleur's decision not to engage, deepening the feud.
The rivalry's intensity is rooted in decades of competition, but Johnson's personal approach has brought it to the forefront. His actions and words suggest a strategic move to galvanize his team and fanbase, leveraging historical animosities for motivational purposes.
Implications for the NFL Landscape
This development promises to heighten anticipation for future Bears-Packers matchups, potentially increasing viewership and fan engagement. The lack of communication between head coaches is rare in the NFL, where professional courtesy often prevails despite competitive differences.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on how this feud unfolds on and off the field. Johnson's candidness has undoubtedly injected new energy into a classic rivalry, ensuring that every encounter will be scrutinized for signs of escalation or resolution.
