Although the experience was brief, the lesson it conveyed persisted. At the conclusion of the Bears’ playoff victory over the Packers, Ben Johnson approached Matt LaFleur, but their handshake hardly caught on camera. Just two coaches fulfilling a social duty before vanishing into their own tunnels—a single second, no eye contact, no communication.
Not all quick handshakes indicate animosity. However, when the transaction feels that rigid for the third time, there appears to be a deeper factor at work. Defying expectations, such as defeating LaFleur’s squad in crucial games, has been the foundation of Johnson’s ascent in Chicago. Additionally, he isn’t afraid to inject some own flair, unlike many newcomers to the position. During his first press conference with the Bears, he remarked in passing how much he had liked coaching in Detroit and winning against LaFleur. It sounded incisive, perhaps even premeditated.
Professionally, LaFleur brushed it off when questioned. He said, “Absolutely not,” when asked if he took it personally. You would anticipate a well-mannered reaction from a seasoned coach who doesn’t want to stir up trouble. However, such calm, self-assured answers don’t often tell the whole story.
Absence, rather than words, was the source of stress during their most recent postgame discussion. There were no words of congratulations, no mutually acknowledging look. LaFleur gave a hesitant “good job,” and Johnson continued walking at his usual pace. In football, where rivalries are centuries-old customs and competitive fire runs deep, silence frequently speaks more than words.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ben Johnson | Head Coach, Chicago Bears (since 2025); former Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions |
| Matt LaFleur | Head Coach, Green Bay Packers (since 2019); known for calm demeanor and calculated offense |
| Notable Moment | Postgame handshake on Jan. 11, 2026 after Bears’ playoff win over Packers lasted ~1.3 seconds |
| Public Quote | “To be quite frank with you, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year.” — Ben Johnson (2025) |
| Credible Source | Sports Illustrated – SI.com |
I have found their interactions over the past season to be purposefully aloof. Respectful rivalry—shaking hands, smiling politely, and reserving actual commentary for private spaces—is how coaches frequently keep rivalries alive. However, LaFleur and Johnson appear to be creating a separate script. Unmistakably chilly, yet not antagonistic. It’s like to watching two chess players trade pieces while they both silently consider their next move without blinking.
They couldn’t be more different stylistically. Johnson is a confident, almost brazen, coach who inspires his players by taking on obstacles head-on and frequently letting his remarks err on the side of provocation. LaFleur is more subdued and prefers to communicate through his restraint in the press room and play-calling. Even in the face of defeats that would unsettle most managers, he has managed to keep his composure. The competitive heartbeat, however, is still very much present beneath that serene exterior. Despite his infrequent reactions, he doesn’t forget.
Johnson made reference after the game to Green Bay background noise that had infiltrated his locker room that week. He didn’t go into detail, but the tone implied that his team was being pushed—something that was probably not spoken by LaFleur directly but was loud enough for Chicago to hear. That kind of motivating fuel frequently leaves a lingering smell of rivalry in the air, particularly before to a playoff game.
I was surprised by how little both coaches did to hide the friction, especially after seeing the video again. Don’t give back pats. No fake grins. Just a brief handshake that seemed practiced. It made me think of two business rivals shaking hands before vying for the same contract; they were friendly at first, but they were obviously not buddies after work.
It creates an additional level of intrigue for fans. Decades of shared history already give the Bears-Packers game weight. However, it becomes much more than divisional pride when you have two head coaches who appear to be silently circling one another. It turns into a battle of identities over what respect should sound like, how leadership should appear, and where competitiveness ends and resentment starts.
Officially, there is no feud. There have been no tweets sent across enemy lines, no recorded altercations, and no statements. Not all rivalries in contemporary sports, however, require a headline to be successful. Some develop in the shadows, sustained by tense handshakes, fed by facial expressions, and impacted by post-game remarks.
This scenario is very creative because it seems like both instructors are purposefully utilizing the tension. Johnson uses perceived slights to inspire his athletes, igniting their inner fire from outside uncertainty. LaFleur is calm and seldom discloses the amount involved. Because each squad now reflects the tone of their coach, this contrast has significantly boosted their identities.
I see potential for further on-field conflicts as well as the development of a fascinating coaching rivalry when I consider their upcoming matches. Every postgame presser becomes a potential breadcrumb, and every new handshake turns like a pulse check, making it an incredibly effective storytelling tool.
Perhaps they will get warmer with time. Or perhaps they will keep up this kind of quiet rivalry for years to come, which keeps players inspired and fans interested. Their current dynamic is quite clear: they are competitive enough to generate conjecture, courteous enough for public consumption, and far enough to remain unpredictable.
That’s its beauty for the time being. Dramatic sound bites and viral quotes are unnecessary. A fleeting touch, a glimmer of friction, and the unanswered question: Are Matt LaFleur and Ben Johnson truly on good terms?
