Ryan Poles explains why Ben Johnson is perfect head coach for Bears

Q: Why is Ben Johnson considered the perfect head coach for the Chicago Bears?

Ben Johnson is seen as the perfect head coach due to his ability to revitalize the Bears-Packers rivalry and lead the team to a successful season against Green Bay.

Q: What was the outcome of the Bears-Packers games during Ben Johnson's first season?

The Bears won the season series against the Packers 2-1, including a dramatic wild-card comeback victory.

Q: What sparked the feud between Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur?

The feud between Ben Johnson and Matt LaFleur was ignited by a postgame handshake incident and a celebratory chant in the locker room expressing disdain for the Packers.

Q: How did the Bears perform in fourth-quarter comebacks under Ben Johnson?

Under Ben Johnson, the Bears achieved an NFL-record seven fourth-quarter comebacks during the season.

Ryan Poles explains why Ben Johnson is perfect head coach for Bears

The Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers rivalry was revived last season with the arrival of Ben Johnson, who helped put the hate back into a rivalry that had lacked competitiveness from Chicago for a long time.

For the last couple of decades, the Packers had completely dominated the Bears, winning 19 of 22 games from 2014-2024. So when Johnson said, in his introductory press conference, that he enjoyed beating Green Bay's Matt LaFleur twice a year, it was significant. But he didn't just talk the talk, he walked the walk.

The Bears won the season series, 2-1, including a thrilling wild-card comeback win that was one of an NFL-record seven fourth-quarter comebacks. But Johnson made headlines with his feud with LaFleur, which was ignited by a drive-by postgame handshake and a "F--- the Packers" chant in the postgame locker room.

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 24, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears lineman Dan Hampton defensive end Dan Hampton (99) in action against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 28, 1969; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Gayle Sayers (40) in action against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Bears 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.

Unknown date; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears tight end Mike Ditka (89) on the bench agains the Los Angeles Rams at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim McMahon (9) throws the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 23, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Chicago Bears guard Kyle Long (75) stands on the field during the first half against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 2, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland (84) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Oct 30, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith (58) in action during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Chicago Bears at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

26 Jan 1986: Quarterback Steve Fuller #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to pass as teammate offensive lineman Jim Covert #74 covers during Super Bowl XX game with the Chicago Bears at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Bear

Nov 11, 2007; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson (32) runs the ball during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at McAfee Coliseum in Oakland, CA. Mandatory Credit: Phil Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 8, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (15) catches a touchdown during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

Jan 7, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears offensive tackle Darnell Wright (58) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 9, 2008; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Rex Grossman (8) throws a pass during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field. The Titans beat the Bears 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 16, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Greg Olsen (82) after the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Oct. 27, 1985; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Wilber Marshall (58) in action against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 27-9. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears defensive tackle William Perry (72) interacts with Ron Rivera (59) on the field against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl XX at the Superdome. The Bears defeated the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 26, 1986; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Otis Wilson (55) warms up prior to Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots at the Superdome. The Bears would defeat the Patriots 46-10. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK

Oct 25, 1987; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears full back Neal Anderson (35) takes a hand off from Jim McMahon (9) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY NETWORK

Aug 19, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kevin White (11) looks on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 15, 2019; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd (94) reacts to a call in the first quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 27, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Sep 25, 1965; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears head coach GEORGE HALAS Sr on the sidelines with assistant coaches SID LUCKMAN and GEROGE HALAS Jr against the Los Angles Rams at Memorial Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Bears 30-28. Mandatory Credit: Photo By David Boss- USA TODAY Sports © Copyright David Boss

04 Aug 2001: Cade McNown #8 of the Chicago Bears looks for the open man during the NFL pre-season game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. The Bears defeated the Bengals 16-13 in overtime. DIGITAL IMAGE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/ALLSPORT

Sep 13, 2020; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) puts his hands up after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Unknown date & location, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) carries the ball during the 1987 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Oct 29, 1972; St. Louis, MO, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus (51) in action against the Chicago Bears at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Herb Weitman-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears celebrates after defeating the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field in October.

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Dec 26, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris (91) takes the field against the New York Jets at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Nov 9, 1986; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears receiver Willie Gault (83) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Sep 26, 1993; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Jim Harbaugh (4) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

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A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

While Johnson's actions didn't sit well with Packers fans, who suddenly can't stroll to two easy wins every season, Bears general manager Ryan Poles explained that's exactly why Johnson is the perfect head coach for Chicago.

“That’s what you want to play for,” Poles said on Hoge & Jahns. “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. We needed that. I think we needed that jump start. When I first got here, it was all about just getting beat by them a lot and it was this mountain to climb. 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…..I think it makes it exciting and the NFL exciting. People want to see that. I’d be shocked if those games aren’t in prime time. Everyone wants to be tuned into that game.”

Rivalries are supposed to inspire hatred in a competitive setting, and Johnson is doing something that many of his predecessors never did: Take the rivalry seriously. Now that the playing field is even, Bears-Packers has become must-watch TV, whether it's Chicago's improbable comebacks or what transpires after the final whistle, and Johnson is a big reason why.

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This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears GM Ryan Poles explains why Ben Johnson is perfect head coach

Ryan Poles explains why Ben Johnson is perfect head coach for Bears

TL;DR

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

2026 NFL draft preview: Where Chicago Bears stand at tight end

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

A look at Chicago Bears first round draft picks through the years

Q&A

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