By Blessing 
Detroit Lions fans might want to brace themselves, because the latest buzz out of Chicago could stir up some serious feelings. The bromance brewing between former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is enough to make any Detroit loyalist cringe.
The Lions have a lot to look forward to in the 2025 season. However, the departure of two key coaches at the end of 2024 still leaves a bit of a sting. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took a job with the New York Jets, which was tough but not devastating—after all, it’s not a direct rival. But when Johnson accepted the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears, a division foe, that hit differently. It’s like watching your ex start dating your biggest rival. Ouch.
And now, to add salt to the wound, it looks like Johnson and Williams are becoming fast friends. Their chemistry is on full display, and for Lions fans, it’s not exactly easy to watch.
Williams, the No. 1 overall draft pick and new face of the Bears franchise, was spotted bonding with Johnson during offseason activities at Halas Hall. The two were seen chatting during organized team activities, showing signs of a growing coach-QB relationship that’s already raising eyebrows in Detroit.
Over the weekend, Williams appeared at Fanatics Fest and didn’t hold back when talking about Johnson.
“Ben Johnson’s great,” Williams said enthusiastically. “It’s not just Ben Johnson. We have a young staff, old staff. We have a bunch of experience, a bunch of new energy provided from the coaches and the players. I think it’s been awesome.”
And it didn’t stop there. Williams opened up even more about the connection he’s building with his new head coach.
“He uses some choice words every day towards me. He’s tough, and I love him. He’s awesome,” Williams shared. That’s right—love. It’s only been a few months, and he’s already using the L-word.
Williams also revealed they’ve been spending time together outside of formal practice hours.
“It’s been great being around him. We hang out in his office, and we have lunch sometimes, things like that,” he added.
It’s clear the two are hitting it off. Whether this growing relationship leads to improved performance on the field in 2025 remains to be seen. But for now, it’s definitely something Lions fans are watching—perhaps reluctantly.
On a more hopeful note for Detroit, one former Lions player has been showering the Motor City with love of his own. And unlike Johnson, he seems eager to return.
With the Lions still in need of a solid pass rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson, the door may be open for a reunion. Last season, after Hutchinson dealt with an injury, the Lions brought in Z’Darius Smith through a trade with the Cleveland Browns. Now a free agent, Smith appears very interested in a comeback—and not just professionally.
He’s currently dating Detroit rapper Kash Doll, and the couple made an appearance at the BET Awards together. While there, Smith dropped a big hint about his future.
“We both know where I want to be,” he told USA Today, making his intentions loud and clear.
He continued, “Hopefully I can get back to Detroit because the coaching staff and everybody in the front office are great. When I’m there I feel like a leader and like I can influence the young guys and do great things. Hopefully I can get back to where I want to be in Detroit.”
It’s rare to hear a free agent speak so openly about wanting to return to a team. His connection to the city, the team, and the leadership makes a strong case for giving him another shot in Detroit.
Of course, that decision lies with general manager Brad Holmes. But if Smith has his way, he’ll be back in Honolulu blue before long.