Rumor had it that Hank Fraley would follow Ben Johnson to Chicago. The Lions offensive line coach is staying put.
In a Facebook post from the Lions' practice facility Friday afternoon, Fraley's wife wrote, "Year 8 loading ... Did you guys really think we would leave for Chicago?!?!? Our hearts are in Detroit!!!
Fraley just wrapped up his seventh season on the Lions' coaching staff, his fifth as their primary offensive line coach. He recently interviewed with the Seahawks for their offensive coordinator vacancy, and rumors of his departure gained steam when it appeared that Johnson might lure him to the Bears.
Dan Campbell and the Lions are adding run game coordinator to Fraley's responsibilities as part of a promotion, per NFL Network. His retention is key for the club after it lost Johnson to the Bears, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the Jets and defensive line coach Terrell Williams to the Patriots in the past week.
The Lions' two best offensive linemen, center Frank Ragnow and right tackle Penei Sewell, pushed for Fraley's return following their season-ending loss to the Commanders last week. Fraley's unit has been the foundation of a top-five NFL offense each of the last three seasons. The Lions led the league in scoring this season.
"You refuse to let Hank leave. I haven’t played in this league without Hank and I don’t plan on doing it. I’ll sabotage him, I’ll leak stories, whatever it takes," Ragnow joked.
The four-time Pro Bowl center, who joined the Lions the same year Fraley joined their coaching staff, added, "I don’t think I could play in this league without the guy. He’s everything to me. He’s been there since Day 1. There's a lot of coaches in this league, but there’s not many coaches like him that empower his players, and it really is an open dialogue."
"He really does everything he can to put us in the best positions to be confident and go out there and play well," Ragnow said.
"Yeah, it’s the same (for) me,” said Sewell. “He’s not going nowhere. He’s just been one of those pillars for me in this organization. When I first came in I fell in love with him, and we’ve got a history, too. He was recruiting me in high school when he was at UCLA, and our relationship has grown. He’s like coach (Dan) Campbell in terms of a figure in my eyes. So, he’s not going nowhere.”
No he is not.