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Ben Johnson received a head begin on being a part of the historic rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Inexperienced Bay Packers.
Throughout his introductory press convention as Bears head coach on Wednesday, Johnson poked enjoyable at Packers head coach Matt LaFleur by saying he “form of loved beating” him “twice a 12 months” whereas he was offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.
On Thursday’s episode of Good Morning Soccer, Peter Schrager stated Johnson and LaFleur have “no relationship” in any respect to counsel that he was simply needling a pal when he made the remark.
Peter Schrager @PSchrags
Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur will not be friends. They do not have a shared historical past collectively or any teaching connections or shared mentors. Calling one other coach out by name– one you are not buddies with– within the introductory press convention? It is on.
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It is most likely extra frequent for 2 coaches who’re associates to poke enjoyable at one another. Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay have a well-documented friendship that dates again to 2010 once they labored collectively on the identical workers in Washington, so nobody would elevate a watch if both made such a remark.
There is no motive for anybody to assume Johnson was dissing LaFleur or the Packers. He stated earlier within the press convention that the NFC North is the very best division within the NFL and he has “super respect for the coaches and gamers” all through the league.
Johnson was merely stating a reality when he made the remark. The Lions gained 5 of the final six video games in opposition to the Packers over the previous three seasons, together with sweeping their two matchups in 2022 and 2024.
If something, Johnson was sending a message to Bears followers that he is aware of tips on how to be on the successful facet of a rivalry with the Packers. Chicago is not accustomed to that with a 5-26 report in opposition to Inexperienced Bay because the begin of the 2010 season.
