This week has been a flurry for the coaching staff of the Detroit Lions. They lost their offensive and defensive coordinators to head coaching positions with other teams shortly after being eliminated from the playoffs. They also lost their defensive line coach Terrell Williams, who went to the New England Patriots to serve as their defensive coordinator. Thankfully, they quickly found a successor for Williams by bringing on former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers just one day after Williams departed from the team. It appears they have achieved another significant victory in their attempts to reinforce the coaching team. As reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions are elevating offensive line coach Hank Fraley to the role of run game coordinator/offensive line coach.
The decision is intended to retain Fraley with the Lions due to worries he might depart to take an offensive coordinator position elsewhere.
Fraley had conducted a second interview with the Seattle Seahawks earlier that week. The idea of possibly following Ben Johnson to Chicago was also hanging in the air. Retaining Fraley is significant for the Lions, as the offensive line has arguably been the team’s most effective unit in recent seasons. The squad includes two All-Pros and permitted an average of only 32 sacks per season during the past two years. They’ve also assisted the Lions in creating the powerful run game that has been fundamental to their offense.
Once the season concluded, the key players of the Lions O-Line expressed their determination to ensure Fraley would not depart. Center Frank Ragnow stated (through the Lions’ team website), “You won’t permit Hank to depart.” I haven’t competed in this league without Hank, and I don’t intend to do so. “I’ll undermine him, I’ll spread rumors, anything necessary.” Left tackle Penei Sewell expressed his views on the matter clearly, stating, “He’s not leaving.” The Lions are now aware that there will be continuity in their coaching staff for the 2025 season, originating from one of the most successful aspects of their team.