Ben Johnson has begun his bridge burning tour, whether he realizes it or not.

Everyone knew Ben Johnson was going to leave Detroit at some point. Most of us thought it was actually going to be last year, but based on the available jobs as well as a feeling of incompleteness here in Detroit, he blessed us with another year. Another year of hook and ladders, linemen touchdowns, and the occasional frustrating opening drive. So when Ben decided it was finally time to move on after this past season, no one was surprised. What was surprising, however, was his destination.

Johnson decided to take his coaching talents to the Bears. He stayed in the fucking division, meaning we will have to play him twice a year. Let me put my analytical, reasonable hat on for a second. It was a great job. That offense has a ton of weapons, and their defense is elite year after year. Chicago is a fun city, and the job makes sense.

Now let me take that boring hat off and put on my irrational fan hat. IN THE FUCKING DIVISION? ARE YOU KIDDING ME BEN??

But I digress. That’s all old news. Ben Johnson has been a part of the Bears organization now since Detroit’s season ended, and ol’ Benny boy has now begun his bridge burning tour. During the NFL combine this week, most GMs and head coaches were interviewed, and Ben took his chance to throw strays at Jared Goff and his lack of athleticism to extend a play. 

“…the pass rush is coming down, and to have an athlete like Caleb extend the play and potentially find an explosive down the field, that’s what gets me going a little bit. I get excited thinking about that because I haven’t really been around that since I’ve been in the league. But I’ve been on the other side” -Ben Johnson on what stands out the most of Chicago’s offense

Later, while being interviewed by Barstool’s Pardon My Take, Ben Johnson was asked about taking the Bears job, and the timing of it. 

“I think it all started with having that first round bye… I’m not saying necessarily Chicago at that point, but I knew I wanted to be a head coach this cycle.”

-Ben Johnson on the timing of taking the Bears job

Ben doubled down again on the lack of improvisation from Jared during this same PMT interview. As almost everyone expected, Johnson had one foot out the door as Detroit was pants’ed on live TV in the playoffs. 

No matter which hat you put on, Ben Johnson going to the Bears sucks. Now, were his quotes taken out of context and spread through the Detroit fanbase like wildfire? Most likely. Still, his interviews this week definitely didn’t make matters any better. Instead, he probably made a few more Lions fans circle the date he returns to Ford Field. His burning bridges tour has begun. Just wait until he’s on the other side of Hutch.