A week that saw the Detroit Lions lose three assistant coaches (Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn and Terrell Williams) to promotions elsewhere is ending on a good note. Justin Rogers of Detroit Football Network has confirmed it with his sources that offensive line coach Hank Fraley is staying with the Lions.
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported Fraley is not only staying, he’s getting the additional title of run game coordinator.
Fraley was seen as a potential candidate to follow Johnson to the Chicago Bears, but that buzz had faded in recent days. He had two interviews with the Seattle Seahawks for their offensive coordinator job, which affirmed he was a serious candidate.
Fraley’s wife Danielle posted on Facebook Friday afternoon from her location at the Lions’ practice facility. Reports are all well and good, but no source is as good as a man’s wife.
“Year 8 loading,” the post read. “Did you guys really think we would leave for Chicago?!?!? Our hearts are in Detroit!!!”
Frank Ragnow gets his wish for Hank Fraley to stay with the Lions
On Sunday, after the Lions’ season-ending loss, Frank Ragnow and Penei Sewell both spoke about their connection with Fraley. Ragnow spoke uniquely about the direct impact Fraley has had on him since they both arrived to the Lions in 2018.
“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,” Ragnow said. “In this league, there are a lot of coaches, but there’s not many coaches like him that empower his players and really it is an open dialogue…Talking about how we see things, and not only him giving me advice, but me telling him how I see it and him being willing to listen. I think that’s so rare, and I’m just so grateful for him.”
Ragnow also joked he would leak stories about Fraley to prevent him from leaving.
“You refuse to let Hank leave,” Ragnow said. “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.”
Hmm….
In any case, Fraley is staying (cue the Leonardo DiCaprio “Wolf Of Wall Street” meme) and that cannot be understated as a win for the Lions.
