So, you probably remember that Ben Johnson, the Lions’ former offensive coordinator, dipped this offseason. Yeah, it stings, but it happened. Johnson is now with the Bears, where he’s got the challenging task of convincing Chicago that their quarterbacks aren’t as bad as they seem. Fun, right?

Detroit is moving on with new offensive coordinator John Morton, who’s returning to the team after a couple of years with the Broncos as a passing game coordinator. It’s a new chapter in Detroit, but Sam LaPorta, the Lions’ tight end, recently shared some thoughts on losing Johnson and how the team is dealing with the change.

Speaking with Kay Adams at the NFLPA Classic golf event in Mexico (yep, that’s a real thing), LaPorta got real about what it was like to lose Johnson and how the team is looking ahead.

He said, “Of course, happy for Ben, he was one of the big reasons they brought me into the Lions. Nothing but respect for him. But again, on Sunday afternoons this fall, it’ll be friends turned enemies, I guess… It hurts, of course. You spend a lot of time with these people. You invest a lot of energy and effort and hard work together. You know, it’s mutual. You’re excited that he’s going to go run his own team and organization. He has a lot on his plate. Just 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.”

Yeah, it’s kind of a downer, right? LaPorta’s tone is all sweet and respectful, but I’m over here thinking we need a little more drama. This could be the next big NFC North rivalry, so let’s amp up the intensity, right? I mean, it’s cool and all that he’s being all chill about it, but I was hoping for a little more spice when it comes to this whole friends-turning-into-enemies thing.