The Chicago Bears are coming off their strongest season in nearly a decade, capturing the NFC North crown and reaching the divisional round of the playoffs. That success, however, has come with a familiar downside: other teams are now eager to tap into the culture and coaching tree built under head coach Ben Johnson.

That reality hit home last weekend when offensive coordinator Declan Doyle accepted the same position with the Baltimore Ravens. His exit leaves Johnson with a major vacancy to fill before the 2026 season — and it may also open the door for a move that could directly impact the Detroit Lions.

Detroit recently named Drew Petzing as its offensive coordinator, but according to A to Z Sports reporter Mike Payton, Petzing may have been Johnson’s top target to replace Doyle in Chicago. With Petzing no longer available, Johnson could turn to another familiar name — one that would complicate Dan Campbell’s offseason plans in Detroit.

Hank Fraley Emerges as a Potential Target

Payton pointed out that Johnson and Petzing share a long-standing professional relationship dating back to their time at Boston College, along with similar offensive philosophies.

“They approach the run game the same way, call plays aggressively, and use tight ends in comparable fashion,” Payton wrote, suggesting the pairing would have been seamless.

Their relationship goes beyond football, as Petzing also served as a groomsman in Johnson’s wedding. That personal connection may have put him at the top of Johnson’s wish list. With that option gone, attention shifts to Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley.

A Familiar Name with History in Detroit

Johnson previously attempted to bring Fraley to Chicago last offseason, but Detroit countered by increasing Fraley’s salary, keeping him with the Lions for the 2025 season. According to Payton, there is little preventing Fraley from at least interviewing for the Bears’ offensive coordinator role now — a move that could deliver a significant blow to Campbell’s staff.

Johnson and Fraley have a long shared history in Detroit. Fraley joined the organization in 2018, with Johnson following a year later. Both climbed the coaching ranks, with Fraley becoming offensive line coach in 2020 and Johnson taking over as offensive coordinator in 2022. That established relationship could make another recruitment attempt more appealing this time around.

Potential Fallout for the Lions

If Fraley were to leave, Detroit would be forced to replace one of the key architects of its offensive line — a unit that played a major role in the team’s success before surrendering the division title to Chicago after two consecutive championships.

In the cutthroat world of the NFL, such maneuvering is common. Still, if Johnson were to successfully lure Fraley away, it would serve as another reminder of how quickly fortunes — and staff continuity — can change, especially between division rivals.

What would be a routine coaching hire for Chicago could become a significant headache for Detroit, all triggered by a single phone call.