Ben Johnson isn't the first Chicago Bears head coach to embarrass himself — and he won't be the last. Matt LaFleur is ready to make sure he becomes the latest.
Let's rewind for some context.
After becoming the Bears' new head coach, Johnson fell into the ol' trap of trying to trash the Packers. In reality, he just turned into Michael Scott and created an awkward moment fitting for The Office.
While praising the other two NFC North coaches, Johnson took a shot at LaFleur, saying: "Dan Campbell and Kevin O'Connell? Talk about two guys that are up for Coach of the Year awards as the season ends here. And to be quite frank with you, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year."
Cute.
LaFleur heard it loud and clear — and subtly made his feelings known.
Matt LaFleur didn't flinch after Ben Johnson's jab — he circled a date
Let me introduce you to Matt LaFleur, head coach of the Green Bay Packers. He's also the world's worst liar. As a guest on a recent episode of the Bussin' With The Boys podcast, LaFleur inevitably faced a Johnson question.
Does he have beef?
"I don't know Ben Johnson," said LaFleur.
OK, that doesn't answer the question.
Pressed again—does he have beef?—LaFleur paused, gave a wry smile, winked, and repeated, "Do I have beef? I don't know Ben Johnson."
"I respect him as a football coach. He did a nice job," LaFleur added, still dodging the question. "I thought the press conference was interesting, but I don't have beef with him."
Will he harness it? LaFleur quietly noted, "potentially."
Translation? LaFleur heard every word Johnson said about him, and he is ready to shut him up. Johnson's attempt to win Bears fans' admiration will echo around the Packers' locker room before their next game against Chicago. LaFleur heard it. The players likely did, too.
If you don't like spoilers, look away. When the Packers inevitably defeat the offseason-champion Bears, Johnson's quip will once again become the story.
Maybe not from LaFleur, but you can bet the players will want to prove a point. LaFleur will never publicly admit to wanting to make Johnson eat his words, but his body language told a different story.
Johnson clearly didn't brush up on history. Whether it's a general manager promising to take the North and to never give it back, only to follow it with a run of fourth-place finishes, or everyone crowning Mitch Trubisky as the quarterback to dethrone Aaron Rodgers, these bold statements rarely go down well.
Johnson will soon learn. LaFleur won't forget.