Lions and Bears Coaches Rivalry Intensifies with Potential Player Swap

Detroit's Dan Campbell and Chicago's Ben Johnson may face off for a new player as the NFC North rivals look to improve their teams.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 8:37pm

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The rivalry between Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is heating up, with the potential for the two teams to swap players in the offseason. The Lions are reportedly interested in signing former Bears edge defender Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, which could give Detroit some inside information on Johnson's coaching tactics. The NFC North foes have a long-standing divisional rivalry, and this potential player move could add another layer to the Campbell-Johnson dynamic.

Why it matters

The Lions and Bears are longtime NFC North rivals, and the potential addition of a former Bears player to the Lions roster could give Detroit valuable insight into Chicago's coaching strategies and plans. This move could also intensify the personal rivalry between Campbell and Johnson, who are both rising stars in the NFL coaching ranks.

The details

The Detroit Lions are reportedly interested in signing former Chicago Bears edge defender Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, who was recently let go by the Bears in free agency. Tryon-Shoyinka, a 2021 first-round pick, has played for several teams but has shown flashes of potential as a pass rusher. While he may not be a game-changing signing, he could provide depth and competition for the Lions' defensive line, which is led by star Aidan Hutchinson.

  • The Lions and Bears faced off in the final game of the 2025 regular season, with the Lions emerging victorious.
  • The Bears released Tryon-Shoyinka in free agency earlier this offseason.

The players

Dan Campbell

The head coach of the Detroit Lions, known for his fiery personality and commitment to building a tough, physical team.

Ben Johnson

The offensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears, who previously served in the same role for the Detroit Lions before taking the job in Chicago.

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

A 27-year-old edge defender who was recently released by the Chicago Bears after playing for several teams, including the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cleveland Browns.

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What they’re saying

“I believe that things happen for a reason, right wrong or indifferent. And just when something like this happens, I believe it's going to be for the best. It's up to Brad and I to make it for the best and the guys that we know we're going to count on on this team. So that's how I view it.”

— Dan Campbell, Head Coach, Detroit Lions

What’s next

The Lions will evaluate whether to sign Tryon-Shoyinka, a move that could provide valuable intel on the Bears' coaching staff and strategies.

The takeaway

The rivalry between the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears, and their respective coaches Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson, continues to intensify as the two teams look to improve their rosters and gain an edge in the NFC North. The potential addition of a former Bears player to the Lions could add another layer of intrigue to this divisional matchup.