With Declan Doyle departing for a play-calling role with the Baltimore Ravens, Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears suddenly have a key vacancy to fill on the offensive staff. Johnson now needs to identify a new offensive coordinator, and he has several paths he could take.

Chicago could elevate someone already on the staff, but Johnson may also look outside the organization for a coach he already trusts. Doyle’s exit marks the second assistant from Johnson’s group to land another job, following running backs coach Eric Bieniemy leaving earlier in the offseason.

One external name that could draw interest is Hank Fraley, Detroit’s longtime offensive line coach and current run game coordinator. Fraley has been with the Lions since 2018 and worked closely with Johnson for much of that time, making him a natural candidate if Johnson wants a familiar voice helping oversee the offense.

Given Johnson’s hands-on role as the primary playcaller, the Bears don’t necessarily need an OC who designs and calls plays. Instead, they need someone capable of managing the weekly operation of the offense — organizing game plans, coordinating the run game, and ensuring the offensive line and protection schemes are aligned to help quarterback Caleb Williams succeed. Those responsibilities closely match what Fraley has handled in Detroit.

As USA Today’s Alyssa Barbieri noted on January 31, the Bears’ offensive coordinator role has proven attractive around the league, even without play-calling duties. For Fraley, such a move could represent a career step forward and position him for future opportunities as a full-time playcaller elsewhere.

Barbieri also pointed out that when Johnson first assembled his Chicago staff last offseason, there was speculation Fraley might follow him. That move never materialized because it would have been a lateral shift. This time, however, an OC title could be enough to convince Fraley to leave Detroit.

Interestingly, Fraley’s lack of play-calling experience may actually work in his favor. He could focus on the operational and structural elements of the offense while allowing Johnson to keep the system and play design exactly as he wants it — all while earning a promotion.

Fraley’s coaching résumé includes stops at multiple levels, beginning with the University of San Diego in 2012, followed by San Jose State, the Minnesota Vikings, UCLA, and then the Lions. In Detroit, he has steadily risen from assistant offensive line coach to offensive line coach, and most recently added run game coordinator duties.

Fraley isn’t the only Detroit-connected coach who could land on Chicago’s radar. Lions wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery worked alongside Johnson during his ascent and could be another external option. Former Jets offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand was also mentioned, though he has since accepted a position in Atlanta.

Chicago will also evaluate in-house candidates. Quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett is deeply involved in weekly offensive preparation, while pass game coordinator Press Taylor brings prior coordinator experience and familiarity with the system. Wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El is another internal name worth monitoring.

While promoting from within remains the most likely outcome, Johnson pulling someone like Fraley from Detroit shouldn’t be ruled out. Such a move would strengthen the Bears’ staff while simultaneously taking a valuable coach away from a division rival — a win-win scenario for Chicago.