Friend-Turned-Rival: Johnson’s New Role Sparks Division Tensions

Ben Johnson’s move to the Chicago Bears intensifies NFC North rivalry, leaving Detroit Lions fans reeling.

Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson stunned fans and analysts alike by accepting the head coaching position with the Chicago Bears. Known for his creative play-calling and strategic mind, Johnson played a pivotal role in turning the Lions into NFC contenders. His exit is seen as a “body blow” by the Detroit community, made worse by the fact that he’s now with a bitter division rival.

Former Lions offensive tackle and Super Bowl champion Lomas Brown expressed the shared frustration during an interview with OutKick’s Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich. “You know that old game, body blow, body blow? That was a big one yesterday,” Brown said. “Fans are upset—not just because he’s leaving, but because he’s going to Chicago. Now, we have to face him twice a year.”

Johnson’s decision comes on the heels of Detroit’s crushing playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, which further amplifies the disappointment. The Lions, who were seeded first in the NFC, saw their Super Bowl hopes dashed in a 45-31 upset. Losing Johnson so soon after the playoff exit feels like another gut punch to fans.

Brown highlighted the emotional toll on the Lions community. “The results of the game, the last few days—it’s all culminating. And now Ben Johnson takes this job. A lot of people aren’t happy.”

The tension is not just among fans. Johnson’s departure also complicates his relationship with Lions head coach Dan Campbell, his close friend. “Before he took the job, the sentiment was that Ben wouldn’t take it because he’d have to face Dan twice a year,” Brown noted. “But he took it. That just made the division even harder.”

Adding to the Lions’ woes, they might lose other key assistants. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is interviewing for the Jets’ head coaching position, while offensive line coach Hank Fraley is being considered for the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator role. These potential departures could disrupt Detroit’s momentum and make rebuilding the coaching staff a priority for Campbell.

Johnson’s move to Chicago has reignited the long-standing rivalry between the Lions and Bears, further intensifying the stakes in the NFC North. While Lions fans grapple with the loss, Bears fans are celebrating their new leader. Johnson’s arrival in Chicago is expected to shake up the division, making future matchups between the two teams must-watch events.

For Detroit, the challenge now lies in maintaining their Super Bowl aspirations despite the shake-up. As Lomas Brown said, “This was the year for us to get it done.” Whether the Lions can regroup and rise above these setbacks remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the NFC North just got a whole lot more competitive.