Introduction
In one of the NFL’s most talked-about coaching storylines of the season, Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson and Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur have found themselves at the center of speculation about tension and rivalry. From press conference remarks to icy postgame handshakes, fans and media outlets have been dissecting every interaction.
But is this really a personal “beef,” or a product of competitive division rivalry and media dramatization? This article dives deep into what’s behind the perceived conflict, how both coaches have publicly responded, and what it means for one of the NFL’s oldest rivalries — the Packers vs. Bears matchup.
Who Are Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur?
Before we tackle the feud, let’s clarify who these two coaches are:
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Ben Johnson:
Johnson rose to prominence as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, where he helped engineer one of the league’s top offensive units. In 2025, he was hired as head coach of the Chicago Bears, a franchise hungry for resurgence. -
Matt LaFleur:
LaFleur has been the head coach of the Green Bay Packers since 2019, known for consistent regular-season success and multiple division titles. His coaching tree stems from the Kyle Shanahan system.
These two have not coached together before, nor do they share a personal history — which makes their dynamic all the more intriguing.
The Moment It All Started
The initial spark in the so-called “feud” happened before either coach had actually faced each other under their current roles.
At his Chicago Bears introductory press conference, Johnson said:
“To be quite frank with you, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.”
This came from his time as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, where his Lions had dominated Green Bay in recent seasons. Johnson’s comment was meant to signal confidence and a competitive mindset, but it landed in an unexpected way — because he and LaFleur had never worked together or even known each other well.
By invoking LaFleur’s name so directly, Johnson *immediately positioned himself as someone unafraid of the Packers and eager to fuel the age-old NFC North rivalry.†
LaFleur’s Response — Cool, Calm, and Collected
Matt LaFleur’s reaction was much more subdued.
When asked whether there was any real “beef” between them, LaFleur said on a podcast:
“I don’t know Ben Johnson… Do I have beef? I don’t know Ben Johnson.”
He went on to acknowledge respect for Johnson’s work but made it clear there was no close personal relationship or history between them — suggesting the comment was more about media and fan engagement than genuine animosity.
LaFleur also addressed the postgame handshake drama after a recent Packers-Bears game, describing it simply as a quick handshake without any deeper significance.
Icy Handshake Moments
One of the images that fueled the narrative was an apparently terse postgame handshake between the two coaches after a regular-season matchup.
Media and fans quickly interpreted it as symbolic of tension — a handshake that was brief, business-like, and lacking warmth.
LaFleur later clarified the moment by downplaying it — saying it was simply how postgame routines went, and that it wasn’t indicative of any personal grudge.
Is There Really Bad Blood?
The short answer? Not exactly.
Here’s what multiple sources indicate:
1. There’s no personal history between the two coaches
Both have come from different coaching trees and never shared a prior coaching role.
2. Johnson’s comment was likely designed to fire up Bears fans and players
Division rivals thrive on emotion and media talking points, and Johnson’s remark served as bulletin board material.
3. LaFleur didn’t escalate the situation publicly
LaFleur’s measured and professional responses suggest there’s no deep personal animosity — just typical rivalry heat.
4. Some Packers staff felt Johnson’s comment more personally
While LaFleur took a business-like approach, others on his staff hinted the comment was taken as a slight.
In essence, what the media and fans have interpreted as a feud may be more sensational than substantive.
The NFC North Factor
The rivalry context fuels this story:
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The Bears vs. Packers rivalry dates back over 100 years and is one of the oldest in NFL history. Both fanbases bring enormous passion and scrutiny to any interaction between these teams.
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Johnson’s arrival in Chicago — a team historically overshadowed by Green Bay — naturally revived competitive tension.
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With division standings and playoff implications on the line, coaches often use psychology and media comments to gain an edge — intentionally or not.
This context helps explain why a seemingly small comment blew up: it wasn’t just about Johnson and LaFleur — it was about pride, history, and NFC North bragging rights.
Fan Reactions & Social Media Buzz
Since Johnson’s press conference comment and the handshake moment, fans have exploded across social platforms with reactions — ranging from laughs to outrage to skepticism about whether this is a real feud or just normal rivalry banter.
Some fans labeled Johnson’s statement as bold and disrespectful, while others treated it as harmless gamesmanship. Either way, it sparked engagement — exactly what rivalry stories are built to do.
What This Means for Locker Room Dynamics
Inside NFL locker rooms, coaches and players rarely treat these public comments as actual personal vendettas. Instead:
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Players use these moments as motivation.
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Coaches keep focus on game plans and matchups.
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Media narratives sometimes exaggerate tension for viewership.
Johnson’s remark, whether intentional or not, likely energized Bears players with a competitive edge. At the same time, LaFleur’s calm responses modeled professionalism and avoided giving Bears extra bulletin board material.
Ultimately, locker room impact stems more from wins and losses than from one isolated comment.
How This Story Could Influence the Season
Here’s how this narrative might play out:
Fuel for the Rivalry
Even if not deeply personal, the storyline adds extra spice to Packers-Bears games.
Locker Room Bulletin Board Material
Comments like Johnson’s become fuel for motivation on both sides.
Impacts on Strategy
While the coaches won’t change game plans because of media drama, players may use it as extra incentive.
Media Attention
Sports media will continue to reference this dynamic in lead-ups to key matchups.
Even with all this buzz, the real proof will be on the field — wins and losses matter far more than press conference quips.
FAQs About Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur’s Relationship
Q1: Are Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur actually feuding?
A: No verified personal feud exists. Much of the tension has been fueled by media interpretation of comments and competitive division storylines.
Q2: What did Ben Johnson say about Matt LaFleur?
A: Johnson stated he enjoyed beating LaFleur twice a year during his time as Detroit’s offensive coordinator — a comment that drew attention because they don’t have a personal relationship.
Q3: How did LaFleur respond?
A: LaFleur downplayed any animosity, saying he doesn’t personally know Johnson and respects him as a coach.
Q4: Did the handshake between them show real tension?
A: The brief handshake was interpreted as tense by fans, but both coaches described it simply as part of the postgame routine.
Q5: Will this “feud” affect future games?
A: It might motivate players or add narrative fuel, but the outcome will hinge on performance, not media moments.
Conclusion
The story of Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur’s supposed tension blends NFL rivalry, media narrative, and competitive psychology. While there have been comments and moments that appear heated on the surface, a deeper look shows:
The two coaches don’t have a personal history.
Johnson’s comment was likely meant to stoke competitive energy and engage fans.
LaFleur’s calm replies reflect professional focus over drama.
What matters most is performance on the field — not headlines.
In the end, this story is less about personal beef and more about what makes the NFL’s classic rivalries so compelling: pride, competition, and the unending battle for division supremacy.
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