Why Matt LaFleur, Ben Johnson shared unfriendly handshake after Bears vs. Packers

Mike Moraitis

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Why Matt LaFleur, Ben Johnson shared unfriendly handshake after Bears vs. Packers image

Ashlee Rezin/Sun Times

Another game between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, another icy handshake for head coaches Matt LaFleur and Ben Johnson.

Following the unbelievable comeback victory for the Bears in the wild-card game against the Packers on Saturday night, the two head coaches shared what was an unfriendly exchange as the two teams exited the field.

There was nothing combative about the meeting, but it's clear there isn't much love between LaFleur and Johnson after seeing their handshake.

Check out the exchange below.

Bear in mind, this is not the first time we've seen this out of the NFC North head coaches, as they've had similar handshakes in the previous two 2025 meetings.

Here's more information on what might be behind the two coaches regularly sharing icy handshakes.

Why LaFleur-Johnson handshake is icy

When Johnson was hired as the Bears' head coach, he told reporters that part of the reason he wanted to stay in the NFC North was because he enjoyed beating LaFleur twice a year while Johnson was the offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions.

"To be quite frank with you, I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year," Johnson said.

After their first icy exchange following the Packers' win over the Bears in Week 14, LaFleur said he "didn't think much of" his handshake with Johnson and said he was not bothered by Johnson's comments upon taking the Bears job.

“Absolutely not. It’s Packers-Bears," LaFleur said.

Based on what LaFleur has said, it doesn't sound like there's anything personal between the two coaches, but their handshake says something different.

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Staff Writer