It’s been a challenging week with coordinator departures and speculation surrounding assistant coaches.
However, the Detroit Lions ended the week on an incredibly positive note.
NFL Network reports that offensive line coach Hank Fraley will remain in Detroit.
Fraley, who interviewed twice with the Seattle Seahawks for their offensive coordinator role, will also take on the title of run game coordinator for the Lions.
Fraley is deeply admired by his offensive linemen, with several players joking about sabotaging his interviews to ensure he stays.
Center Frank Ragnow, right tackle Penei Sewell, and rookie Giovanni Manu all expressed their loyalty to Fraley, saying they couldn’t imagine playing for another offensive line coach.
Manu praised Fraley as a rare coach with unique techniques tailored to each player’s needs, which continually impresses him.
“That’s rare,” Manu said. “He’s willing to adapt his coaching style for each player.”
Manu added jokingly, “I told him, ‘I hope you don’t get it (Seattle OC).’”
Two All-Pro linemen and a rookie from the University of British Columbia emphasized Fraley’s remarkable coaching approach.
“In this league, there are many coaches, but few empower their players like him,” Ragnow shared on locker room cleanout day.
“He creates an open dialogue. Being a former center, he offers invaluable insights while also listening to how I see things. That’s rare.”
Ragnow also joked, “I refuse to let Hank leave. I haven’t played without him and won’t. I’ll sabotage him, leak stories about him (laughs).”
Notably, Detroit’s offensive coordinator position remains vacant.
Assistant head coach/running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell, and wide receivers coach Antwaan Randle El are key internal options to watch.
National reports have linked Brunell to Aaron Glenn’s New York staff as a possible offensive coordinator.
Engstrand and Randle El have previously interviewed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the same role, which is open again after Liam Coen became Jacksonville’s head coach.
Montgomery, who has held various roles at college and pro levels, has been praised by head coach Dan Campbell as ready to lead.
Fraley is cherished by both his peers and players. His name has surfaced in discussions around the league, making his return a much-needed win after a week of changes with Ben Johnson moving to Chicago and Glenn heading to New York.
Detroit’s offensive line remains the team’s foundation. General Manager Brad Holmes emphasized its importance, calling it “the whole thing,” and stressed maintaining high standards as a key focus.
Retaining Fraley for his eighth season is a significant step forward.
“He’s been a cornerstone for me and this organization,” Sewell said on locker room cleanout day. “I fell in love with him when I first joined.
We have a long history—he even recruited me in high school at UCLA. Our relationship has only grown since then.”
