Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has expressed mixed emotions about offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s decision to leave Detroit and become the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
Johnson, who served as the Lions’ offensive coordinator for three seasons, played a key role in transforming the team from mediocrity to one of the league’s top performers.
St. Brown is torn between happiness for Johnson’s opportunity to lead a team and frustration that a pivotal figure in the Lions’ resurgence has joined a division rival. “Ben’s a traitor,” St. Brown joked, adding that Johnson had recently called him.
They exchanged playful banter, with St. Brown warning, “For two times a year, Ben, we’re gonna f*** you up,” to which Johnson replied, “Imma f*** you up.”
As NFC North rivals, the Lions and Bears face off twice a season. Detroit has had the upper hand in recent years, with Chicago struggling to compete among the league’s elite.
St. Brown mentioned that he knows Johnson’s coaching tendencies and plans to share them with Detroit’s next offensive coordinator to maintain their edge.
St. Brown’s last in-person conversation with Johnson occurred the day after the Lions’ playoff loss to the Washington Commanders.
At that time, Johnson mentioned he was uncertain about his future but admitted to being in talks with three NFL teams about head-coaching roles, one of which turned out to be Chicago.
Despite his disappointment, StJohnson Brown expressed deep respect for Johnson. “Obviously, I love Ben—one of my favorite coaches ever.
He’s incredibly smart and hardworking,” St. Brown said. “I wanted him in Detroit forever, but that’s not how things work.”
During Johnson’s introductory press conference with the Bears, he joked about enjoying his previous success against another division rival, Green Bay.
“I know this is the toughest division in football,” Johnson said. “I kind of enjoyed beating [Packers coach] Matt LaFleur twice a year.”
While St. Brown acknowledged Johnson’s contributions to Detroit, he is determined to help the Lions stay ahead of their division foes.
The rivalry between the Lions and Bears is now poised to become even more intense, with St. Brown and Johnson playfully trading jabs over who will emerge victorious in future matchups.
Though Johnson’s departure leaves a significant void for the Lions, St. Brown’s competitive spirit and knowledge of his former coach’s strategies suggest Detroit is ready to meet the challenge head-on.