The Detroit Lions’ coaching staff has experienced significant turnover this week, with both their offensive and defensive coordinators leaving for head coaching positions at other teams shortly after the team was eliminated from the playoffs. Additionally, defensive line coach Terrell Williams departed to take the defensive coordinator role with the New England Patriots. However, the Lions acted quickly to fill that void, hiring Kacy Rodgers, the former defensive line coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, just a day after Williams left.
On a more positive note, the Lions have secured a major win in maintaining key coaching staff. As reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Lions have promoted offensive line coach Hank Fraley to the position of run game coordinator and offensive line coach. This move should keep Fraley with the team, especially after rumors he might leave for an offensive coordinator job elsewhere, including with the Seattle Seahawks, with whom he had already had a second interview.
Retaining Fraley is a big victory for the Lions, as their offensive line has been one of the most successful parts of the team in recent years. With two All-Pro linemen and an average of just 32 sacks allowed per season over the past two years, the offensive line has been key in establishing the Lions’ dominant rushing attack. After the season, several players, including center Frank Ragnow and left tackle Penei Sewell, made it clear they wanted Fraley to stay. Ragnow humorously stated that he would go to great lengths to ensure Fraley didn’t leave, while Sewell simply remarked, “He’s not going anywhere.”
With this decision, the Lions are able to ensure stability on their coaching staff as they prepare for the 2025 season, especially within one of their most successful units.
