It was impossible to overlook, even if some Detroit Lions fans tried to ignore it. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was the first domino to fall, departing to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears. Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn may soon follow a similar path.
Focusing on Johnson, the Bears announced his hiring on Tuesday, with an official press conference scheduled for Wednesday morning.
To mark the occasion, the Bears shared a video of Johnson arriving at Halas Hall, where he was greeted with a standing ovation.
Johnson’s Message to the Bears
Lions fans, unsurprisingly, won’t be thrilled with Johnson’s remarks upon joining the Bears:
“Everyone get back to work!” Johnson said, addressing the staff after the ovation. “Listen, thank you so much. My family and I, we are beyond excited. This is exactly where we wanted to be. It’s exactly where we wanted to be. This is going to be a challenge; I am well aware of that. I know what this division is about, and this is exactly where we want to be.”
“We’re going to go after this thing, and it’s going to take all of us in this room. It’s going to take this locker room; there’s nothing more important than that locker room and us serving that locker room and those players. They need to understand that, they need to feel that from us every single day. And if we do that, the wins are going to come, and the playoffs are going to come. All right? Can’t wait to get to know you guys, and thank you so much for the warm welcome.”
“Alright Bears Nation. Get ready to go. Beyond fired up to be here. This is exciting times. Cannot wait to get to work. Bear Down baby.”
Lions Fans React
For many Lions fans, hearing those words from Johnson felt like a gut punch. Leaving for a head coaching role was always a possibility, but his choice to join a division rival stings even more. Johnson’s enthusiastic comments about his new team will only deepen the resentment from the Detroit fanbase.
