Ben Johnson’s Early Bears Success Already Bothering North Rival
Lake Forest, IL – Just months after being introduced as the Chicago Bears’ head coach, Ben Johnson is already causing unease across the NFC North—notably among his former colleagues in Detroit.
Johnson, formerly the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, made an emphatic entrance as Bears head coach, spearheading a dominant 38-0 preseason win over the Buffalo Bills. The Chicago offense racked up a staggering 528 total yards in the rout, drawing both praise and pointed comparisons from Johnson’s ex-players.
Notable reactions came from two of his former Lions team-mates—wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back Jahmyr Gibbs—who remarked that Chicago’s offensive plays mirrored those in Detroit. On Tuesday, Johnson responded, teasing that while there may be similarities, he’s already planning fresh strategies.
Inside the NFC North, Lions fans and insiders are bracing for an intensified rivalry. Johnson’s departure was already a blow to Detroit—not only did he leave the division, but he also immediately took charge of a team armed with a promising young quarterback and offensive weapons.
Indeed, Lions running back David Montgomery, who joined Detroit after stints in Chicago, expressed wry bemusement via social media. He conveyed a mixture of pride and betrayal at Johnson’s move, reflecting the complicated emotional undercurrents it’s created.
For his part, Johnson continues to minimize the distraction. During his introductory press conference, he spoke of his deep respect for Detroit’s leadership—owner Sheila Ford Hamp, head coach Dan Campbell, and the roster he helped groom—thanking them for shaping both him and his coaching philosophy. He even mentioned that, surprisingly, he’d been more concerned about facing the Bears than any other NFC North team last season.
As training camp unfolds and the regular season approaches, the NFC North briquettes are heating up. With Chicago’s offense already showing signs of life under Johnson—and the Lions dealing with the aftermath of his departure—the stage is set for a fierce division showdown.
