Ben Johnson Handshake Drama Explained: How Bears vs. Rams Became the NFL’s Latest Coaching Subplot

There was no shortage of intrigue surrounding Sunday night’s Chicago Bears vs. Los Angeles Rams playoff showdown, and it wasn’t limited to what happened on the field. In the days leading up to the game, a potential coaching controversy quietly took shape, centered on Bears head coach Ben Johnson and his increasingly scrutinized postgame handshake history.

Johnson, one of the NFL’s most talked-about young head coaches, has developed a reputation for confidence, competitiveness, and blunt honesty. That personality was on full display during Chicago’s playoff run—and it raised questions about how his recent actions might be perceived by fellow coaches around the league.

When the Rams ultimately defeated the Bears 20–17 in overtime, advancing to the NFC Championship Game, attention quickly shifted to what many fans wanted to see next: the postgame handshake between Johnson and Rams head coach Sean McVay.

Coaching Drama Loomed Ahead of Bears vs. Rams

The storyline didn’t come out of nowhere. One week earlier, Johnson had gone viral for his drive-by handshake with Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur following Chicago’s wild-card round win. That brief, almost dismissive exchange added fuel to an already tense relationship between the two coaches.

Given McVay’s close ties to LaFleur, reports surfaced before Sunday’s game suggesting that the Rams’ head coach may not have appreciated Johnson’s recent antics. As a result, fans and media alike entered the Bears-Rams matchup wondering whether the tension would carry over—and if so, how it might manifest.

NBC Broadcast Leaves Fans Guessing

Anyone watching NBC’s Sunday Night Football broadcast hoping for a dramatic postgame moment was left disappointed. The network did not clearly show the handshake between Johnson and McVay after the Rams’ overtime victory, sparking frustration across social media.

Fans quickly voiced their displeasure, questioning why NBC would avoid showing what had become one of the game’s most anticipated off-field moments. Some viewers claimed the broadcast briefly showed the handshake, but if it did, it was fleeting and inconclusive.

The lack of coverage only intensified speculation about whether there was something to hide.

Alternate Video Shows Calm Interaction

Not long after the game, however, clarity emerged. Video clips released by NFL social media accounts showed Johnson and McVay shaking hands and briefly exchanging words. Contrary to pregame rumors, the interaction appeared professional and calm, with no visible signs of tension or bad blood.

The footage suggested that, at least between Johnson and McVay, any perceived drama had been overstated. Still, the broader conversation surrounding Johnson’s approach to postgame etiquette remained front and center.

Origins of the Ben Johnson–Matt LaFleur Handshake Controversy

The real roots of the controversy trace back months earlier, shortly after Johnson was hired as the Bears’ head coach. During his introductory remarks last January, Johnson made a comment that immediately caught attention around the league.

“I kind of enjoyed beating Matt LaFleur twice a year,” Johnson said, referencing his time as Detroit’s offensive coordinator.

While likely meant as a competitive jab, the remark did not go unnoticed—especially by LaFleur.

Regular-Season Encounters Fueled the Narrative

When the Bears and Packers first met during the 2025 season, the tension became visible. Following Green Bay’s 28–21 win in Week 14, LaFleur offered Johnson a brief, cold handshake, clearly uninterested in extended pleasantries.

Two weeks later, the teams met again in a dramatic rematch. This time, Chicago erased a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit and won 22–16 in overtime. The postgame handshake between Johnson and LaFleur was more neutral—no theatrics, but no warmth either.

At that point, the storyline seemed to fade into the background. That changed dramatically in the playoffs.

Wild-Card Drive-By Handshake Goes Viral

Chicago’s wild-card victory over Green Bay marked the most talked-about handshake of the season. After the Bears completed a fourth-quarter comeback to eliminate the Packers, Johnson approached LaFleur quickly, half-shook his hand, and sped past him in a low stance before celebrating with his players.

The moment immediately went viral.

LaFleur appeared visibly displeased, and fans dissected the clip from every angle. Some praised Johnson’s passion and swagger, while others criticized him for a lack of sportsmanship. Either way, the incident ensured that Johnson’s interactions with opposing coaches would be closely monitored moving forward.

Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur: A Deep Coaching Connection

That scrutiny intensified ahead of the Bears’ next playoff matchup against the Rams. Sean McVay and Matt LaFleur share a long-standing relationship, both professionally and personally.

LaFleur served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator under McVay during the 2017 season, making him a prominent member of McVay’s coaching tree. Both coaches also trace their philosophies back to the Mike Shanahan coaching lineage, one of the most influential trees in modern NFL history.

Adding another layer, Mike LaFleur, Matt’s brother, currently serves as the Rams’ offensive coordinator.

Given those connections, it wasn’t unreasonable to wonder whether Johnson’s actions toward LaFleur might resonate within the Rams’ organization.

McVay Addresses the Situation Before the Game

In the days leading up to Bears vs. Rams, McVay was asked whether he would consult Matt LaFleur for insight or motivation against Johnson.

“What would you guess?” McVay replied with a laugh. “No, you know what—we watch the tape, we do our work, and Matt is a very close friend of mine.”

The response was classic McVay—deflecting drama while acknowledging the relationship. Still, it didn’t completely quiet speculation.

League-Wide Reaction to Johnson’s Antics

Adding fuel to the fire, ESPN’s Peter Schrager reported before Sunday’s game that Johnson’s behavior “did not go over well with the McVay tree … and around the league.”

That comment suggested Johnson’s viral handshake might have broader implications beyond one rivalry. In a league where respect and relationships often matter behind the scenes, perception can influence everything from coaching alliances to future opportunities.

No Drama After the Final Whistle

Despite the buildup, Sunday night ended without controversy between Johnson and McVay. The handshake, while not prominently featured on television, appeared respectful and uneventful based on available footage.

For McVay, the focus remained on advancing to the NFC Championship Game. For Johnson, the loss ended a promising playoff run but did little to diminish his rising profile across the league.

What This Means for Ben Johnson Going Forward

The handshake saga underscores a broader reality: Ben Johnson is no longer flying under the radar. His confidence, candid comments, and competitive edge have made him one of the NFL’s most polarizing young coaches.

Some will view his approach as refreshing—a sign of authenticity and fire. Others will see it as unnecessary bravado that risks alienating peers. How Johnson navigates that balance moving forward could shape his reputation just as much as his on-field success.

For now, the Bears-Rams handshake delivered no fireworks. But in a league where narratives evolve quickly, Ben Johnson’s interactions—on and off the field—will continue to draw attention wherever Chicago plays next.