The Detroit Lions are fresh off their most successful regular season in team history, notching 15 wins in 17 games and surpassing their previous record of 12 victories with notable ease.

A major factor behind Detroit’s incredible run last season was its dynamic duo at running back. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery formed one of the league’s most effective tandems, combining for 2,187 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns on the ground during the 2024 season.

Their ground-game dominance played a big role in offensive line coach and run game coordinator Hank Fraley landing an interview for the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator role. Though flattered by the interest, Fraley quickly came to understand that his loyalty remained with Detroit, not Seattle.

Fraley, a former center, played 10 seasons in the NFL for the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and St. Louis Rams. He started 123 of the 142 games he played, and his long career as an undrafted free agent speaks volumes about the resilience that now earns him instant credibility as a coach among offensive players.

Now that he’s experienced the offensive coordinator interview process, Fraley is likely to be an even sharper position coach in 2025. The hypothetical scenarios and strategic questions he faced are the same challenges any coordinator would be expected to handle at the next level.

If Detroit’s rushing attack remains as potent in the coming season, more coaching opportunities are bound to arise for Fraley across the NFL. Luckily for the Lions, his commitment currently lies in Detroit—and the team couldn’t be more thrilled.