One of the well-covered stories throughout the Chicago Bears' playoff debut is the relationship between head coach Ben Johnson and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. It seems there is a noted rivalry between the two, leading to brief handshakes and Johnson declaring his hate for Green Bay. That back-and-forth started with Ben Johnson talking about enjoying beating the hated rival with the Detroit Lions, mentioning how fun it was to beat them twice a year. This was a shot that set the tone for a brief handshake following the first meeting of the regular season and has continued to build.
This week's addition to the rivalry features LaFleur attempting to hurt Chicago from afar, despite being eliminated from the playoff field. Chicago is hosting the Los Angeles Rams and has its hands full taking on an extremely experienced playoff roster. One that Rams head coach Sean McVay may take full advantage of, given LaFleur, seemingly offering his services to the Rams, attempting to help his friend and get even with Johnson for Green Bay's playoff exit.
McVay said the following, via X user The Coachspeak Index, when asked if LaFleur was helping Los Angeles prepare, “What would you guess? No, you know what — we watch the tape, we do our work, and Matt is a very close friend of mine.”
It makes sense that the two would conspire not only based on the rivalry LaFleur has with Johnson, but also due to years of working together for the Rams and Washington Commanders coaching staffs.
Matt LaFleur Continues to Fight for Relevance Attempting to Haunt Bears Despite Playoff Exit
While it is annoying that LaFleur is attempting to help author Chicago's playoff exit, perhaps fans shouldn't be too concerned with his help. If anything, it makes sense to welcome the input of a head coach who oversaw an 18-point lead implode in a playoff game. LaFleur has now only won a single game in his last six playoff chances and leaves Bears fans little reason for concern.
Johnson yet again beat the Packers twice in a season and is focusing his full attention on a talented Rams roster. The Green Bay rivalry against Chicago isn't going to die anytime soon, but it will have to wait for the 2026 season to come back to life. That being said, the speculation that LaFleur will do what he can not only to assist his friend but also get revenge against his divisional rival would add up.
This is a young playoff team that has already gotten the better of the Packers and proven to be the superior franchise moving into the 2026 season. It is something that is understandably going to eat at LaFleur, making the head coach all the more anxious to attempt to haunt the Bears from afar.
Something that isn't overly concerning with Johnson leading an impressive offensive attack that appeared to shake off any playoff jitters at the end of last week's comeback win over the Packers. One that has obviously cemented one of the league's more entertaining rivalries, Chicago now has the statistical and mental edge, as evidenced by the actions of a head coach who cannot let go of back-to-back losses to the Bears.