The Detroit Lions made Drew Petzing their offensive coordinator and added Mike Kafka as a high-ranking offensive assistant. These moves have been met with excitement, but they could have a ripple effect on the Lions staff.
The Chicago Bears have an opening at offensive coordinator, and offensive line coach and run game coordinator Hank Fraley is a name that should be generating interest among fans. In fact, Mike Payton of A to Z Sports pointed out in a recent piece that Fraley was a candidate to join Ben Johnson in Chicago last offseason.
"There was a time when Lions’ offensive line coach and run game coordinator Hank Fraley was rumored to be Johnson’s top choice to join him in Chicago. The Lions gave Fraley a hefty raise to stay, and that was that. Now, there’s not really a whole lot stopping Fraley from taking an interview with the Bears and maybe getting the gig. That is, unless the Lions want to throw another raise his way. I guess we’ll see what happens."
And with a void at OC in Chicago, these conversations might be revisited.
Hank Fraley Could Be a Threat to Join the Bears' Staff
Fraley has been in Detroit for the past eight years, as he's seen his roles increase from assistant offensive line coach to offensive line coach and run game coordinator. During his time in Detroit, Fraley has helped four offensive linemen (Frank Ragnow, Penei Sewell, Taylor Decker, and Jonah Jackson) make the Pro Bowl. He clearly knows what he is doing in the trenches, which only makes him a more attractive option for teams looking to add to their respective staff.
Since Dan Campbell arrived in Detroit in 2021, the Lions have ranked fifth in the NFL in team rushing yards (10,905) and third in rushing touchdowns (112). Fraley has played a big role in this success and was close with Johnson during his time in Detroit.
If Fraley gets the chance to join Johnson's staff as offensive coordinator, it would be a well-deserved promotion. Given that Johnson would still be calling the plays, Fraley would help with game planning and other offensive elements, much as Declan Doyle did in his time in the same role.
The Bears were forced into their OC search late, as Doyle became the Ravens offensive coordinator on Jan. 30. At first, it was fun from the Lions perspective to see the Bears and Johnson scramble. However, as time has passed, it is clear that it could lead to Detroit's division rival plucking one of the best assistants on Campbell's offensive staff.
Only time will tell what happens but Fraley's departure from Detroit could be more likely than it seems.