Just like in every NFL offseason, the Detroit Lions have been forced to say goodbye to familiar faces now that free agency is in full swing. Although they've lost players like cornerback Carlton Davis and offensive guard Kevin Zeiter to the open market, the Lions' biggest offseason loss was the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who the rival Chicago Bears hired as their new head coach.
Johnson's exit was something that Lions fans and players were bracing for in the lead up to the offseason, however, that doesn't change how much his exit hurts. In fact, one of Detroit's top playmakers is making it clear that life without his former OC might not be easy.
Lions News: Sam LaPorta Hurt Over Ben Johnson's Depature
While in attendance at the 2025 NFLPA Classic Golf Tournament, Lions tight end Sam LaPorta spoke with FanDuel TV's Kay Adams about his team's offseason. When asked about Johnson's exit, the third-year playmaker revealed that he's still bothered that he can no longer work with his former OC.
"It hurts... You spend a lot of time with these people, invest a lot of energy and effort and hard work together," LaPorta told Adams. "You’re excited that he’s going to go run his own team and organization and have a lot on his plate. So, just very exciting times for him."
LaPorta added that, even though he's happy that Johnson landed his new job, that isn't stopping him from being excited about the Lions' outlook.
"It's exciting times for us, too, as we turn towards our new staff and have a bright future together as well," the former Iowa Hawkeye added.
Losing a beloved coach is never easy for a player. That's especially true for LaPorta, whose only offensive coordinator at the NFL level has been Johnson. The 38-year-old coach has played a major role in the former 2023 second-rounder's NFL success to date, which includes 1,615 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns on 146 catches across 33 games, already earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro second-team honors for his work.
Although losing Johnson stings, LaPorta also told Adams that he's pumped to be working with newly hired Lions OC John Morton.
"I’ve sat down with (Morton) for maybe 10 or 15 minutes. I got to know him personally. But as a coach, it’s yet to be determined," LaPorta said. "We have a great future in front of us, we’re excited to work with each other."
Hopefully, LaPorta finds immediate success under Morton's guidance, proving that he can succeed without Johnson's presence. The Lions need the new partnership to work out if they want to make good on their Super Bowl 60 odds, which currently sit at +950 (5th) on FanDuel Sportsbook.