Former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was a fan favorite in Detroit; the coach gave the team one of its best offenses in 2024. But his latest move, involving offensive tackle Taylor Decker, has caused fans to take offense.

Decker parted ways with the Detroit Lions after "numerous discussions" over his steep pay cut and no “common grounds” being found. He is yet to find a new home in the NFL, which is where the Ben Johnson factor comes into play.

Now the head coach of the Chicago Bears, Johnson reportedly reached out to Decker to check up on him as a friend. But there might be an underlying motive behind this call.

Decker spent 10 seasons with the Lions, and Johnson was part of the team for six of them. They must have developed a bond strong enough to push Johnson to have Decker's back. But there is an undeniable business opportunity here.

The Chicago Bears are rebuilding their roster and are in immediate need of a left tackle who can replace their injured Ozzy Trapilo. Taylor Decker could be the best short-term solution for the Bears. With his production through the line protecting Jared Goff and his experience in the game, he can be paired with Jedrick Wills Jr. 

Decker revealed to the Detroit Times that his exit from Detroit was awkward. After his release, he only had a call with his former OC. Decker tried to contact his former skipper, Dan Campbell, and general manager Brad Holmes, but did not get a response from them. 

“It’s been radio silence,” Decker said. “It’s uncomfortable. It’s awkward. “It feels like a high school breakup, where you can’t even make eye contact when passing each other in the hall,” he added. 

In such a scenario, Decker's relationship with Johnson is a strong indicator that he could probably land in Chicago. That is why fans are calling out the former Detroit OC.

Ben Johnson Sparks Strong Fan Reactions Over Reported Taylor Decker Decision

Some didn’t hold back at all. One fan wrote, “Ben’s a weasel. He’s that friend that calls your ex-girlfriend the minute he finds out you broke up just to check on her.” That tone carried across a big part of the fanbase, where the move felt less like business and more like betrayal.

Some also suspected that this was a clear roster move. “Had nothing to do with the Bears needing a LT?” one fan asked, pointing towards the very open spot in the Chicago team.

There was also sarcasm mixed into the reactions. “That’s kinda double edge. ‘Hey how ya doin buddy? Bummed cause no one wants you? Yea, yea that’s a bummer man, you’re awesome? Are we interested? Well… no…’” another fan posted, highlighting how awkward the situation feels from the outside.

Then came the harsher takes directed at Taylor Decker himself. “We are all finding out what we always knew, Taylor is a big b****,” one comment read. Johnson, though, remained the main target.

“Lmfao and m** wonder why every Detroit fan hates Ben Johnson’s guts. He’s a snake who’s only ever cared about his own personal success,” another fan wrote, doubling down on the idea that this was about more than just one move.

Not everyone sided against Johnson. A different perspective showed up, too. “A lot of really salty Lions fans here. Why couldn’t Dan Campbell reach out to Decker as a friend?” That take shifted the focus toward how relationships are handled across the organization.

Still, for fans, that line between business and loyalty isn’t always easy to accept. But in most instances like these, that line gets blurred.

Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Afreen Kabir