By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions have been riding high lately, but even in a winning culture, some departures sting more than others. And for Lions general manager Brad Holmes, one loss this offseason hit especially close to home.
Ben Johnson — the mastermind behind one of the most dynamic offenses in Detroit history — is now calling the shots in Chicago. Yes, that Chicago. The division-rival Bears.
The One That Got Away… to the Wrong Side
Speaking on the Green Light podcast, Holmes didn’t mince words when asked about Johnson’s departure.
“Why Chicago?” he said, still sounding a bit surprised. “I knew he had interviewed for Chicago, but he interviewed for a lot of the other positions too… I was thinking Chicago probably would’ve been the last destination — or I was probably hoping that.”
Yikes. That’s the type of honesty fans can respect — and probably feel in their bones, too.
Holmes went on to say he’s happy for Johnson and called him “a hell of a coach,” but it’s clear the move comes with emotional baggage. It’s not every day your offensive guru walks out the door to coach your most bitter rival.
Johnson’s Legacy in Detroit
Under Johnson, quarterback Jared Goff found new life. The offense clicked. The Lions averaged fireworks and efficiency — finishing top five in yards and points for three straight years (2022–2024). That hadn’t happened in Detroit since the 1950s. Let that sink in.
His departure was always a matter of “when,” not “if.” Johnson had become one of the hottest names in coaching. But still — Chicago?
A New Chapter, A Familiar Opponent
The Lions aren’t hitting the panic button. Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell are rolling with John Morton as their new offensive coordinator. He brings experience and familiarity, having already worked with the team in 2022.
Still, Week 2 on the schedule just got a whole lot spicier. That’s when Detroit gets its first crack at Johnson and the Bears — and you better believe it’ll mean a little more on both sidelines.
Parting Shot
Sometimes, it’s not that someone leaves. It’s where they go. And for Brad Holmes, it seems the pain of losing Ben Johnson wasn’t softened by the fact that he’s still in the NFC North — it was sharpened by it.
“It definitely left a bad taste,” Holmes admitted.
That’s rivalry fuel. And come fall, it’s going to burn hot.