I always leave the plug out while I remove the filter. It helps burp that main oil gallery.
Some vehicles (this one not included) sometimes lose prime in the oil pump when this is done though. My Grand Prix 3800 was a famous one for that. It took forever to build up oil pressure once I refilled it and started it. I ended up disconnecting the crank sensor and cranking it without firing it till the oil light went off, then firing it once I had oil pressure. I never liked having a motor run "dry" for that long of a time.