The Detroit Lions received a boost of positive news after a challenging week filled with coaching departures and rumors. According to NFL Network, offensive line coach Hank Fraley, who recently interviewed for the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator role, will remain with the Lions. In addition to his current role, Fraley will take on the added title of run game coordinator.
Fraley is deeply respected by his players, with several of them expressing their desire for him to stay. Center Frank Ragnow, right tackle Penei Sewell, and rookie Giovanni Manu all voiced how much they value his coaching. Manu, in particular, highlighted Fraley’s ability to adapt his coaching style to each individual player, which is a rare and appreciated quality. “With him, he changes his approach depending on the player. That’s something you don’t see every day,” Manu said.
Ragnow echoed this sentiment, noting Fraley’s open communication and willingness to listen. “Having him as a former center in the league has been invaluable,” Ragnow said. “The fact that he listens to me, too, is something that’s hard to find in a coach.” His bond with Fraley is so strong that Ragnow joked about trying to sabotage Fraley’s Seattle interviews to ensure he stayed with the Lions.
While Detroit’s offensive coordinator position is still open, internal candidates like assistant head coach and running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell, and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El are all names to watch. Montgomery, in particular, has garnered attention for his readiness to take on a larger role, a sentiment shared by head coach Dan Campbell.
Fraley’s continued presence is a vital part of Detroit’s foundation. General manager Brad Holmes emphasized the importance of the offensive line, calling it the “whole thing” for the team. Keeping Fraley for his eighth season with the Lions is seen as a key step in maintaining the team’s success.
Sewell also shared his personal connection to Fraley, mentioning their history dating back to Fraley’s recruitment of him in high school, which has only strengthened over time. “I’ve loved him since the first day I met him,” Sewell said. “We’ve got a long history, and our bond has only grown since then.”
