As Ben Johnson takes the helm of the Chicago Bears, he’s addressing rumors suggesting tension between him and Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell.
The Detroit Lions are undergoing significant changes, with many staff members leaving for positions with other teams shortly after the season ended. Among the most notable departures are offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who joined the Chicago Bears, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who moved to the New York Jets.
Amid these staff changes, there has been talk of potential “friction” within the Lions organization, and now Johnson is responding to these rumors.
Sports Personality Reports ‘Interesting’ Detroit Lions News
On the January 22 episode of Woodward Sports’ “Big D Energy,” co-host Neil Ruhl discussed Johnson’s departure from Detroit, mentioning a conversation with a “pretty good source” who shared insights about the team’s current situation.
“I got a phone call yesterday from a pretty good source, covers the National Football League,” Ruhl said during the show. “He had a lot of interesting things to say about the Lions coaching movement, all of that stuff.”
Ruhl also noted that the most intriguing part of the conversation was about “potential friction in the organization with Ben Johnson, with Dan Campbell, to the degree that he might not have been back regardless this year.”
While this raised eyebrows, Johnson was quick to address the claim.
During an appearance on FS1’s “Breakfast Ball” on January 23, Johnson responded to Ruhl’s comments when asked by NFL analyst Craig Carton if there was any truth to the rumors. He firmly denied it.
“No. I’ve never heard of that before in my life,” Johnson said. “That guy is one of my best friends. He is a mentor of mine, and I view him like family.”
Johnson also praised Campbell during his introductory press conference with the Bears, describing him as “more than just a colleague,” calling him “a friend” and “a mentor.”
Ben Johnson on Choosing the Chicago Bears
Even though Johnson is now with a new team, he’ll still be close to Campbell, as both are in the NFC North. When discussing why he chose the Bears, Johnson expressed his desire to stay within the division.
“I know this is the toughest division in football right now,” Johnson said during his first press conference with the Bears. “There’s three teams that made the playoffs this year.”
He added, “I’ve got tremendous amounts of respect for the coaches and players in this league having competed against them for the last six years. Dan Campbell, (Vikings coach) Kevin O’Connell. Talk about two guys who are up for Coach of the Year awards as the season ends here.”
The Bears are hoping Johnson can help, especially after finishing the season with the lowest yards per game (284.6) and being tied for the fourth-fewest points per game (18.2) in the NFL.
In a January 24 feature for the Bears, Johnson revealed that he doesn’t have specific pre-game rituals.
“No. I really don’t,” he said. “It’s not like I eat the same thing or anything. I get in the zone by listening to music and I suppose the same songs on repeat. Right now, I’m on this Vance Joy kick. ‘Like Gold’ and ‘Georgia.’”
No Metallica? C’mon, Ben.
