By Sunday 
A Departure That Stings but Brings New Challenges
The Detroit Lions are heading into the 2025 season with a significant change on the sidelines. Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, a key architect of their explosive offense, has moved on to become the head coach of the division rival Chicago Bears. For the Lions, it’s more than just a coaching change—it’s an emotional loss.
Sam LaPorta Opens Up on Johnson’s Departure
Tight end Sam LaPorta, one of Detroit’s brightest young stars, didn’t hold back when discussing how much Johnson’s departure affects him personally. During an appearance on FanDuel’s Up & Adams, LaPorta expressed both happiness for Johnson’s career progression and the pain of seeing him leave for a rival.
“Of course, happy for Ben. He was one of the big reasons that they brought me into the Lions. Nothing but respect for him, but again, on Sunday afternoons this fall, there’ll be friends turned to enemies, I guess,” LaPorta shared.
For LaPorta, the departure is more than just losing a coach—it’s losing a key figure in his early NFL journey. Johnson was instrumental in LaPorta’s development, helping him quickly emerge as a top-tier tight end.
A Tough Goodbye, A New Beginning
The Lions’ locker room clearly had deep respect for Johnson, and LaPorta’s words reflect how difficult it is to say goodbye to a leader who played such a vital role in their success. He acknowledged the emotional weight of the transition while also recognizing the exciting challenges ahead.
“It hurts, of course. You spend a lot of time with these people, invest a lot of energy and effort and hard work together. It’s mutual. You’re excited that he’s going to go run his own team and have a lot on his plate. Very exciting times for him, and it’s exciting times for us too as we turn towards our new staff and have a bright future together as well,” LaPorta said.
While the Lions are looking forward, the reality is they will now have to face Johnson twice a year, making the transition even more bittersweet.
Adjusting to a New Offensive Vision
With Johnson gone, the Lions have turned to fresh leadership to maintain their offensive dominance. The team opted to bring in a new coordinator rather than promote from within, meaning LaPorta and his teammates will need to quickly adjust to a different system and coaching style.
Still, LaPorta’s role in Detroit’s offense is unlikely to diminish. After just two seasons, he has already amassed 1,615 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns, proving to be one of the league’s most dynamic tight ends. Regardless of who is calling plays, he will remain a focal point for the Lions as they aim to build on their recent success.
A Rivalry Intensified
As if the NFC North rivalry wasn’t fierce enough, Johnson’s move to Chicago adds an entirely new layer of intensity. What was once a bond between player and coach has now become a competitive battleground.
The Lions are determined to keep moving forward, but there’s no denying that Johnson’s exit leaves a void. When the two teams meet next season, it won’t just be about football—it will be personal.