Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson didn’t hold back after guiding the Chicago Bears to a stunning playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers on Saturday.

Johnson, now the Bears’ head coach, led Chicago to one of the most improbable wins of the postseason, erasing an 18-point deficit — including a 15-point fourth-quarter hole — to knock off Green Bay in the wild-card round and advance to the divisional playoffs.

Ben Johnson Sends Emotional Message After Bears’ Comeback Win

In a postgame video shared by the Bears, Johnson was visibly emotional while addressing his locker room. The former Lions coach delivered a blunt, uncensored message aimed directly at the Packers, highlighting just how personal the rivalry has become for him.

Johnson left Detroit last offseason to take over in Chicago and quickly transformed the Bears into NFC North champions. Despite earning the No. 2 seed, Chicago entered the matchup as underdogs against the No. 7 Packers.

Beating the Packers Meant More, Johnson Admits

After the game, Johnson acknowledged that chatter coming out of Green Bay added fuel to the fire.

“There was probably a little bit more noise coming out of their building up north to start the week, which we heard loud and clear,” Johnson said. “So this one meant something to us.”

According to ESPN, Packers wide receiver Christian Watson and cornerback Keisean Nixon had publicly expressed interest in facing the Bears in the postseason. Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley also predicted a Green Bay win, telling reporters earlier in the week, “I’ll see you guys next week.”

Bears safety Kevin Byard III said those comments resonated inside Chicago’s locker room.

“It definitely got us riled up,” Byard said. “We’ve had some big comebacks this season, but this one was the most special.”

Since the NFL expanded the playoff field in 2020, only one No. 7 seed has won a postseason game — the Packers, who upset the Dallas Cowboys in 2023.

Lions Still Searching for Stability After Ben Johnson Exit

Johnson’s departure continues to loom large in Detroit. The Lions lost both Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn last offseason and struggled to replace them, finishing 9–8 and missing the playoffs.

Detroit has since fired offensive coordinator John Morton and may soon lose another key assistant. According to Kory Woods of MLive.com, Lions passing game coordinator David Shaw has interviewed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator position.

Shaw is reportedly one of two finalists, along with Arizona Cardinals quarterbacks coach Israel Woolfork, as Tampa Bay looks to replace Josh Grizzard.