Amon-Ra St. Brown and Ben Johnson exchanged some playful trash talk this week, now that they are division rivals.
The Detroit Lions had one of their most successful seasons in 2024, finishing the regular season with a 15-2 record, securing the NFC North title for the second consecutive year, and earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. These accomplishments were franchise firsts. However, the Lions face challenges this offseason, particularly after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Bears.
St. Brown and Johnson engaged in some competitive banter after Johnson was named Chicago’s new head coach on Monday. St. Brown reportedly told Johnson that the Lions would “f*** him up” twice a year, referring to their divisional matchups.
In response, Johnson retorted, “I’m gonna f*** you up.”
St. Brown added with a laugh, “I told him I know all the plays he likes to run, I know all his tendencies,” reflecting on his experience working under Johnson.
St. Brown seemed excited about the growing rivalry, as Johnson had served as the Lions’ offensive coordinator since 2022, leading them to a 36-15 regular-season record over three seasons.
“If I want to be the best, I’ve got to beat the best, right?” St. Brown remarked.
The first matchup between the Lions and Bears in the 2025 season is expected to be a highly anticipated game.
Lions Prepare for Further Coaching Losses After Ben Johnson’s Departure
Ben Johnson may just be the first of several Lions coaches to explore new opportunities this offseason.
Detroit’s success in recent years has drawn attention from other NFL teams eager to replicate the Lions’ success. As a result, Detroit faces the prospect of losing more key coaching staff.
Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who helped guide Detroit’s defense through a challenging 2024 season, is expected to be the next coach to leave. Despite overcoming injuries, the Lions’ defense faltered in the playoffs against the Commanders and Jayden Daniels.
Glenn interviewed with the Jets on Tuesday and is set to meet with the Saints next week. If Glenn takes one of those positions, he may bring some of his Lions assistants along with him.
Reports suggest that Glenn is considering Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard for his new defensive coordinator and possibly Lions QBs coach Mark Brunell for his offensive coordinator role. Additionally, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel is rumored to be interested in hiring Lions defensive line coach Terrell Williams for New England’s defensive coordinator position.
With these possible departures, Detroit could face a busy offseason rebuilding its coaching staff.
