CHICAGO — Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes shared a candid and somewhat humorous reaction this week to Ben Johnson landing the head coaching job with the Chicago Bears — a move that surprised many around the league.
Speaking during an appearance on The Green Light with Chris Long podcast, Holmes said:
“I was thinking Chicago would have probably been the last destination… but it’s just a little like, ‘Man, why Chicago?’”
– Brad Holmes via Green Light Podcast
Ben Johnson’s Rise and Sudden Move to the Bears
Ben Johnson was widely considered one of the NFL’s most promising young coordinators, credited with transforming Detroit’s offense into one of the most efficient in the league. He had turned down multiple interviews in the past and was expected to be extremely selective about his first head coaching opportunity.
So when Johnson took the top job in Chicago, even those close to him — like Holmes — were caught off guard.
“I’m happy for him,” Holmes added. “I just didn’t think that was where he’d end up.”
Johnson will now take over a Bears franchise in rebuilding mode but with rising assets like quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze, both first-round picks from the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rivalry Adds More Fuel Between Bears and Lions
Holmes’ lighthearted jab has only fueled what is already a heated NFC North rivalry. Bears fans took the quote as subtle disrespect, while Lions fans were mostly amused. The moment has become viral on NFL social media channels, sparking fan banter across the league.
In response to the buzz, many Chicago fans pointed to:
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Johnson’s opportunity to work with a young, talented offensive core
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A front office and ownership group willing to rebuild from the ground up
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The appeal of turning around a legacy franchise like the Bears
What It Means for the NFC North
With Johnson now at the helm in Chicago and the Lions maintaining playoff aspirations under Dan Campbell, the Bears-Lions rivalry is set to become even more personal in the coming seasons.
Both teams are loaded with talent and young leadership — and all eyes will be on their matchups this fall.
Do you think Ben Johnson made the right move by choosing the Bears? Or was Brad Holmes right to be skeptical of Chicago’s fit?
Let us know how you feel about the Bears’ future and the growing rivalry in the NFC North.
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