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The historic rivalry between the Bears and Packers has been reignited, with the coaches’ heated interactions adding to the intensity on the field.Chicago Today
Former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who is now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins, appeared to take a subtle jab at Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson during a recent interview. Hafley’s comments about handshakes after games seem to be a reference to the viral moment between Johnson and Packers coach Matt LaFleur following the Bears’ Wild Card playoff win over the Packers in January.
Why it matters
The rivalry between the Bears and Packers is one of the oldest and most storied in the NFL. Johnson’s brash attitude and comments about the rivalry have helped reignite the intensity between the two teams, which is good for the league and its fans. Hafley’s remarks suggest there may still be some lingering animosity between the coaches.
The details
After the Bears’ Wild Card playoff win over the Packers in January, a video went viral showing Johnson sprinting to shake hands with LaFleur. The interaction appeared heated, though Johnson later said he was just playing up the rivalry. Hafley, who was the Packers’ defensive coordinator the last two seasons, is now the head coach of the Dolphins. When asked about the Dolphins’ upcoming game against the Packers, Hafley said he would shake LaFleur’s hand after the game, adding ‘it’s not going to be one of those [things].’ While Hafley didn’t directly name Johnson, the comment seems to be a thinly veiled jab at the Bears coach.
The Bears defeated the Packers in the Wild Card round on January 12, 2026.Hafley made his comments about handshakes at the NFL league meetings in April 2026.
The players
Jeff Hafley
The former defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers who is now the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
Ben Johnson
The head coach of the Chicago Bears who has helped reignite the rivalry with the Packers.
Matt LaFleur
The head coach of the Green Bay Packers.
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What they’re saying
“I’ll shake his hand after the game, it’s not going to be one of those [things].”
— Jeff Hafley, Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
What’s next
The Bears and Packers are scheduled to play each other twice during the 2026 NFL season, with the first matchup at Lambeau Field.
The takeaway
The rivalry between the Bears and Packers has been reignited in recent years, thanks in large part to the brash attitude of Bears coach Ben Johnson. While some Packers fans may have been offended by Johnson’s viral handshake moment, it has helped make the historic rivalry more intense and compelling for NFL fans.