Division rivalries are the epitome of NFL competition. Thanks to two games against each team in the division each year, there is a natural animosity and competition that develops between teams and fan bases. As a result, any movement between two divisional rivals is hard to digest.
That made the Ben Johnson hiring all the more shocking. While he was without a doubt one of the best names out there for the Chicago Bears job, the timing of the decision was rather controversial, especially for the Detroit Lions’ fan base. Taking to social media, the Motor City faithful were aghast at the decision and voiced their displeasure with Johnson.
Detroit Fans Turn on Ben Johnson After Chicago Bears Hire
Johnson had been with the Lions for four seasons, turning the offense into a deadly weapon. According to PFN’s Offense+ metric, they had the best offense in the league, thanks to their excellent pass game being complemented by a ferocious ground game.
However, after Detroit fell apart in the Divisional Round against Washington, all the blame squarely landed on him.
Less than two full days after the Lions’ loss, news broke of Chicago hiring him for their vacant head coaching job. With the wound of the playoff loss still heavy in Detroit, fans ripped Johnson to shreds for having his mind in a different place during the game.
Some even went so far as to suggest that the league needed to change the rules for the interviews. “You can’t convince me that bro was fully focused on the playoffs when he got hired 2 days after getting eliminated. The NFL needs to make a rule on this.”
You can’t convince me that bro was fully focused on the playoffs when he got hired 2 days after getting eliminated.
The NFL needs to make a rule on this. https://t.co/zPjWeBQFMv
— Dominique Clare (@DomClare) January 20, 2025
One fan posted a minute-long video detailing his anger and betrayal over Johnson, especially with his play-calling in the playoffs. “For Ben Johnson to go out in a game where Jahmyr Gibbs is averaging 10.7 yards per carry at half, only down 10 points, to end up calling your worst game of the season, along with calling your worst play call of the season.
“This was a backstab, this was a slap to the face.”
Ben Johnson reaction video: pic.twitter.com/XgbvcCvBWd
— Honolulu Blues (@HonoluluBlues_) January 20, 2025
For most fans, the timing of the terrible game and signing with the Bears was a step too far. And as is the case on the site formerly known as Twitter, hindsight became key, and many reflected their disdain for their former OC.
“I’ve kinda been over Ben Johnson for a little while, but to mentally check out before our huge playoff game then immediately leave for a divisional rival is in such poor taste. I’m fighting the urge to say some irresponsible things.”
I've kinda been over Ben Johnson for a little while, but to mentally check out before our huge playoff game then immediately leave for a divisional rival is in such poor taste I'm fighting the urge to say some irresponsible things
— Levi Bright (@JASF_Detroit) January 20, 2025
Some had clear evidence to support their cause. Kliff Kingsbury, at least partially responsible for the wonderous turnaround of the Washington Commanders, made it a point to only take interviews after the playoffs.
With the success Washington is having as the only team to win on the road, it is hard for Lions fans to not draw immediate parallels.
hmmmmm i wonder why we lost pic.twitter.com/tz5ScRz01d
— AMONG US ST BROWN (@That1LionsFan) January 20, 2025
If there was any reason to believe otherwise, the NFC North matchups are going to be a movie next season.
