Is a New NFL Coaching Rivalry Brewing Between Matt LaFleur and Ben Johnson?
The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears share one of the NFL’s most historic rivalries, dating all the way back to 1921. Over the decades, the rivalry has had countless heated moments—one that still lives in the minds of Chicago fans is when Aaron Rodgers famously shouted, “I still own you!” after sealing a win at Soldier Field in 2021. The 1980s also saw intensity spill over into the coaching realm, with Bears’ Mike Ditka and Packers’ Forrest Gregg frequently clashing, inspiring equally fiery play on the field.
While recent years have seen the rivalry cool down, mostly due to the Packers dominating the head-to-head contests, a new dynamic might be reigniting the feud. That spark could be coming from newly appointed Bears head coach Ben Johnson.
Is there beef in the NFC North? pic.twitter.com/znOETm1qO6
— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) April 29, 2025
Hired in January, Johnson arrived in Chicago after a successful run as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. He began his Lions tenure in 2019—the same year Matt LaFleur took charge of the Packers. While LaFleur got the better of the Lions early on with a 5-1 record between 2019 and 2021, Detroit has turned the tables since. Over the last three seasons, the Lions have gone 5-1 against Green Bay, including season sweeps in 2022 and 2024.
During his introductory press conference with the Bears, Johnson took a pointed jab at LaFleur, saying, “I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.” Whether it was meant as a light-hearted comment or a direct challenge, it didn’t receive a response from LaFleur—until recently.
Appearing on the podcast Bussin’ With The Boys, hosted by Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, LaFleur was asked directly if he had “beef” with Johnson. Smiling, LaFleur responded, “I was waiting for this. I don’t know Ben Johnson. I respect him as a football coach. He did a nice job.” But the hosts pressed further, teasing that the tension in the room suggested otherwise.
LaFleur laughed off the idea of any animosity. “It’s not tight. I’m not tight. I thought the press conference was interesting, but I don’t have beef with him. I don’t get into all this stuff,” he explained.
The playful questioning didn’t stop there. LaFleur was asked whether he’d consider sending Johnson “eye emojis” after a win, to which he quipped, “I don’t have his number, so that won’t happen.” Another question referenced a fiery postgame handshake incident from 2011 between Jim Harbaugh and Jim Schwartz. LaFleur made it clear he wasn’t interested in replicating that drama, saying, “No. I would never do that,” joking that he probably doesn’t have the physical strength for such confrontations anyway.
Despite the light-hearted tone, the rivalry between the Bears and Packers may indeed be taking on a new dimension. Since 1992, the Packers have overwhelmingly dominated the Bears with a 51-16 record. LaFleur himself has an 11-1 record against Chicago. However, in their most recent meeting in January, the Bears managed a dramatic 24-22 victory at Lambeau Field.
Chicago’s defense forced two critical turnovers, and kicker Cairo Santos nailed a 51-yard field goal as time expired. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams delivered a calm and efficient performance, completing 21 of 29 passes for 148 yards. Green Bay, meanwhile, was hampered by in-game injuries to quarterback Jordan Love and receiver Christian Watson.
This win was Chicago’s first over Green Bay since 2018, signaling that change might be in the air.
Whether the banter between LaFleur and Johnson turns into a defining coaching rivalry or remains playful competition, the spotlight on Packers vs. Bears matchups has certainly intensified. As both teams gear up for the 2025 season, fans will be watching closely—not just for touchdowns and turnovers—but for every word exchanged between the men on the sidelines.