Fans of the Detroit Lions are furious that Ben Johnson left for the Chicago Bears: “Johnson, Benedict”
When news broke that Ben Johnson, the highly successful offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, had accepted the head coaching position with the Chicago Bears, the reaction from Lions fans was one of disbelief, anger, and, perhaps most of all, betrayal. After all, Johnson had been a key figure in the Lions’ offensive resurgence and played an instrumental role in turning the team’s once-floundering offense into one of the most potent in the league. To many, Johnson’s departure felt like a personal affront—a gut punch from a coach they had come to respect and admire.
As news of his decision spread, social media and fan forums quickly became a battleground for disgruntled Lions supporters. “Johnson, Benedict” became a common refrain among the online backlash, an allusion to the historical figure of Benedict Arnold, who is remembered as one of the most notorious traitors in American history. Fans felt betrayed by Johnson’s sudden move to the Bears, a division rival with whom the Lions have had a fierce and long-standing rivalry. How could someone who had helped rejuvenate the Lions’ offense abandon them for the enemy? This is the question that fans continue to grapple with as the dust settles on Johnson’s departure.
In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the anger and frustration of Lions fans, delve into the unique challenges and complexities of the situation, and try to understand how Johnson’s decision impacts the future of both the Lions and the Bears. Along the way, we will examine the role that fan loyalty, the pressures of the NFL coaching world, and the competitive nature of the league play in shaping such decisions.
Ben Johnson’s Role in the Detroit Lions’ Success
To understand the depth of the reaction from Lions fans, it is important to first take stock of the significant role that Ben Johnson played in the team’s recent successes. In just a short amount of time, Johnson established himself as one of the most promising offensive minds in the NFL. When Dan Campbell took over as head coach of the Lions in 2021, Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator, and his influence on the team was immediately felt.
Under Johnson’s guidance, the Lions’ offense transformed from a bottom-tier unit into one of the league’s most potent attacks. Quarterback Jared Goff experienced a career resurgence, and the team’s offense became known for its creativity, explosiveness, and ability to adapt to different situations. Johnson’s play-calling was often lauded for its unpredictability, and his ability to design schemes that played to the strengths of his players made the Lions’ offense a weekly threat to opponents. Players like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams thrived under his tutelage, and the offense became an exciting, high-flying unit that fans could rally behind.
But perhaps the most significant accomplishment for Johnson was his development of Jared Goff. Goff, who had been seen by many as a player with a limited ceiling after his time with the Los Angeles Rams, was able to regain his confidence and thrive in Johnson’s system. Johnson crafted an offense that played to Goff’s strengths, helping the quarterback rediscover his form and become one of the league’s most efficient passers. The chemistry between Johnson and Goff was evident, and fans began to feel that the Lions were finally on the right track to becoming a legitimate contender in the NFC.
When the Lions finished the 2024 season with a winning record and a high-powered offense, much of the credit was given to Ben Johnson. His offensive schemes had breathed new life into the team, and for the first time in years, Lions fans had a reason to believe that their team could be a force in the NFC North.
The Betrayal: Why Fans Feel Hurt by Johnson’s Decision
Given Johnson’s success in Detroit and the respect he had earned within the organization, it’s no surprise that his departure to the Chicago Bears left Lions fans feeling hurt and betrayed. There are several reasons why fans feel so strongly about this decision, but at the heart of it is the deep sense of loyalty that fans have to their team. When a coach or player leaves for a rival, it stirs up a feeling of disloyalty that fans often struggle to accept.
The Rivalry: Chicago Bears as the Enemy
The Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions have one of the oldest and most bitter rivalries in the NFL. Dating back to the early days of the league, the two teams have shared a divisional rivalry that has been marked by tough, hard-fought battles. For Lions fans, the Bears represent more than just another opponent—they are the enemy. The thought of a key figure in the Lions’ offensive resurgence leaving to join the Bears stings on a deep emotional level.
The rivalry between these two teams runs so deep that it is not just about football—it’s about pride, history, and the desire to see the Bears fail. In this context, Ben Johnson’s decision to leave Detroit and join the Bears is seen by many fans as an unforgivable betrayal. To them, it feels like he has chosen to abandon his team and the city that supported him in favor of a division rival, one with a long history of frustrating the Lions’ attempts at success.
In a fan base that has already endured years of disappointment and frustration, the idea that one of their own would choose to walk away to join the Bears feels like the ultimate betrayal. This sense of betrayal is magnified by the fact that Johnson had been a key part of the Lions’ offensive turnaround, and many fans had hoped that he would be a cornerstone of the team’s future.
The Timing of the Decision
The timing of Johnson’s decision also contributes to the sense of betrayal. The Lions were coming off a season of hope and optimism, with many fans believing that the team was on the verge of something special. Johnson had played a crucial role in the offense’s success, and there was a growing sense that the Lions were building something sustainable—a team that could compete for championships in the near future.
To leave at this critical juncture, when the Lions seemed poised to take the next step, felt like a stab in the back to many fans. Johnson’s departure has raised questions about the stability of the team’s coaching staff and the direction of the franchise. For fans who had bought into the idea that the Lions were finally heading in the right direction, Johnson’s sudden move to the Bears is a devastating blow to their hopes.
A Question of Loyalty
At its core, the anger of Lions fans stems from a deep sense of loyalty to the team. In the NFL, coaches and players come and go, but fans are often in it for the long haul. They endure the highs and lows, supporting their team through thick and thin. When a coach like Ben Johnson, who had helped breathe new life into the Lions’ offense, leaves for a rival team, it feels like a betrayal of that loyalty.
For many fans, loyalty is paramount. They want to see their coaches and players commit to the team and the city that has supported them. Johnson’s decision to leave for the Bears, a team with a long history of divisional rivalry with the Lions, challenges that sense of loyalty and leaves fans questioning whether they can trust coaches to stick around when the going gets tough.
The Bigger Picture: Why Johnson Made the Move
While it’s easy to understand the anger and frustration of Lions fans, it’s important to recognize that Ben Johnson’s decision to leave Detroit and take the head coaching job with the Bears is not just a matter of disloyalty. There are several factors that likely influenced his decision, and it’s important to look at the bigger picture.
The Chance to Lead a Team
For Ben Johnson, the opportunity to become a head coach was an offer he couldn’t turn down. Johnson had already made a name for himself as an offensive coordinator in Detroit, and it was clear that his stock was rising. Head coaching opportunities were likely to come calling, and when the Bears offered him the chance to lead their organization, it was a career-defining moment. While Lions fans may view it as a betrayal, Johnson was faced with the reality that this opportunity might not come again, especially with the Bears willing to offer him the chance to rebuild their franchise from the ground up.
A Strong Connection with Justin Fields
Another key factor in Johnson’s decision was the opportunity to work with Justin Fields, the young quarterback with immense potential. Fields represents a blank canvas for Johnson, and the chance to develop a player with Fields’ athleticism and skill set is a challenge that many coaches would relish. Johnson saw the potential to work with a quarterback who could become one of the best in the league, and that opportunity was likely a driving force behind his decision to leave Detroit.
A Fresh Challenge and New Opportunities
Finally, Johnson’s move to the Bears could be seen as a way for him to prove himself on a larger stage. Detroit may have been where he found success, but the Bears present a new challenge and a chance to build something from the ground up. As a coach, Johnson may have felt that the opportunity to establish his own legacy with a new team was something he couldn’t pass up.
The End of a Relationship
For Detroit Lions fans, Ben Johnson’s departure to the Chicago Bears is a painful moment. The anger and frustration they feel are understandable, especially given the pivotal role Johnson played in the team’s offensive revival. His decision to leave for a division rival feels like an act of betrayal, and the pain of losing such a key figure will take time to heal.
However, as with many things in the NFL, the world of coaching is a business, and Johnson’s decision reflects the complex dynamics at play in a league where career opportunities often take precedence over loyalty. While fans may struggle to accept his departure, the Lions must now focus on moving forward and finding a new offensive coordinator who can continue the work Johnson began.
As for the Bears, they now have a head coach with a proven track record of offensive success, and they will be hoping that Ben Johnson’s vision for the team will lead to a new era of success. But for Lions fans, this moment will likely sting for some time, as they remember the offensive genius they lost to a rival who now has a very personal reason to want to succeed.
