Handshake Controversy Fuels Johnson’s Push to Reignite Bears-Packers Rivalry

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 10: head coach Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears looks on during an NFL wild card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on January 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Last season, Chicago Bears' head coach Ben Johnson caused an uproar over a postgame handshake. Following the Bears' win against the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card game, Johnson and Packers' head coach Matt LaFleur shared a brief postgame handshake. After the big comeback win, Johnson was ready to go celebrate with the team.

Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur don't seem to like each other very much...quickest postgame handshake OF ALL TIME

pic.twitter.com/2NW0HCrT0k

- Hater Report (@HaterReport) January 11, 2026

The clip spread around the league with many people claiming Johnson was disrespectful and unsportsmanlike towards LaFleur. It was rumored that the move from Johnson did not go over well around the league.

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith claimed that friends of Matt LaFleur disliked Ben Johnson.

Friends of Matt LaFleur around the league can't stand Ben Johnson."

PURE SPECULATION but LaFleur and Sean McVay worked together in Washington and LA. LaFleur was McVay's first offensive coordinator with the Rams in 2017. They are close friends. #DaBears#Bears#ChicagoBearspic.twitter.com/VkbXXdSRyj

- Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) January 13, 2026

However, Johnson has made his stance on the situation clear: the Bears and Packers should not like each other, and the rivalry is stronger than ever.

This week, Ryan Poles spoke to that mindset, touching on Johnson's approach to reigniting the Bears-Packers rivalry during an appearance on CHGO'S Hoge & Jahns podcast hosted by Adam Hoge and Adam Jahns.

Ben's like, screw it, we're just going to take this head on and take this rivalry over, and we're not going to be scared to talk about it," Poles said.

Poles named that Johnson is exactly what this organization needed, adding, That's what you want to play for. You want to play for a guy that's not scared, that's aggressive and someone that wants to compete. It raises the level of both organizations to be completely honest with you."

Bears GM Ryan Poles on HC Ben Johnson intensifying the Bears vs Packers rivalry:

That's what you want to play for. You want to play for a guy that's not scared, that's aggressive and someone that wants to compete. It raises the level of both organizations to be completely... pic.twitter.com/QrOXuDU3qO

- Bearsszn (@bearszn) March 31, 2026

Ryan Poles: The Bears NEEDED Ben Johnson pic.twitter.com/H9I6AITwri

- Hoge & Jahns (@HogeAndJahns) April 2, 2026

Who would've thought a simple postgame handshake could spark that much controversy across the NFL?

Regardless, Johnson hasn't given it any attention.

In a sit-down this past week with Bears beat reporter Herb Howard, Johnson was asked directly about the reaction surrounding the handshake.

Johnson didn't hesitate: I didn't come into this league or take this position to necessarily make friends."

Ben Johnson: I didn't come into this league to make friends"

Changed the culture in one season pic.twitter.com/a9D06Z3mZ7

- SleeperBears (@SleeperBears) April 5, 2026

Johnson's focus is clear. He's locked in on one thing: building a championship-caliber football team.