The Detroit Lions will be using the next couple of weeks off before training camp begins next month. The 2025 season is right around the corner, and it'll be a test for the Lions after seeing multiple departures.
One of the biggest ones came on the coaching staff, as Ben Johnson left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
Lions GM Brad Holmes was recently on the "Green Light" podcast and spoke about Johnson's move. He didn't know where Johnson was slated to end up, but wasn't expecting it to be Chicago.
Holmes said, "Why Chicago? I knew he had interviewed for Chicago, but he interviewed for a lot of the other positions too so I really didn't know which way he was going to go."
He then added, "I was thinking Chicago probably would've been the last destination, or I was probably hoping that. I was happy for him. He's a hell of a coach..."
In a podcast appearance, Lions GM Brad Holmes wondered aloud why Ben Johnson left Detroit for Chicago of all places https://t.co/ILg6JVPqYL pic.twitter.com/wGrZj6eMgo
— The Lions Wire (@thelionswire) June 13, 2025
Brad Holmes Still Disappointed in Ben Johnson’s Departure
The feeling was probably felt among fans, as the Bears are one of the Lions' biggest rivals. Detroit has been able to beat the Bears in five of the last six games. This shift in the series has played a part in why the Lions have become one of the better teams in the league.
Taking care of business in your division is key, but now the Lions will have a former coach on the opposite sideline.
During his time with the Lions, Johnson was one of the best playcallers in the NFL. The Lions have John Morton replacing Johnson at OC, and fans are intrigued to see how the new look offense will look.
It'll definitely be a change, but the fact that Johnson landed with the Bears left a bad taste in the mouth for Detroit. Going forward, Johnson and the Lions will be rivals, with the first chance for these teams to match up taking place in Week 2.