The Detroit Lions will need to find replacements for both of their coordinators this offseason, as Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn have secured head coaching positions following impressive stints in Detroit. Johnson was named head coach of the Chicago Bears on Tuesday, and Glenn accepted the head coaching job with the New York Jets on Wednesday.
In addition to losing Johnson and Glenn, the Lions might also need to replace some position coaches. One of their most crucial assistant coaches is offensive line coach Hank Fraley. The 47-year-old has been with the Lions since 2018 and took over as the head offensive line coach in 2020.
Under Fraley’s leadership, Detroit’s offensive line has thrived in recent seasons, leading to interest in Fraley for offensive coordinator roles across the league. He has interviewed twice for the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator vacancy and has also been linked to the Chicago Bears due to Johnson’s recent hiring as their head coach.
Despite the interest, Fraley isn’t going anywhere. According to Justin Rodgers of Detroit Football Network, Fraley will remain with the Lions for the 2025 season. Furthermore, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Fraley will be promoted to run game coordinator while continuing in his role as offensive line coach.
Fraley’s wife also confirmed that the family is staying in Detroit.
Frank Ragnow's very serious smeer campaign worked, Hank Fraley is staying with the Lions.
— Justin Rogers | Detroit Football Network (@Justin_Rogers) January 24, 2025
According to Hank Fraley’s wife, HE IS RUNNING IT BACK IN DETROIT!
LFG!! #OnePride pic.twitter.com/DXC5lKHAON
— Brad Holmes Bulge (@BradHolmesBulge) January 24, 2025
This is significant news for the Lions, as Fraley is widely regarded as one of the NFL’s top offensive line coaches and could also be a potential candidate for the team’s offensive coordinator position.
More news…..
Jared Goff selected as MVP finalist, multiple Detroit Lions coaches nominated for awards
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is a finalist for MVP, and coach Dan Campbell, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are also contenders for NFL Honors awards.
The NFL Honors, the league’s annual awards ceremony, will be held on Thursday, February 6, just days before the Super Bowl. This week, the NFL revealed the finalists for its various awards, and several Detroit Lions could be taking home some accolades.
Notably, Goff is one of five finalists for Most Valuable Player, alongside Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Saquon Barkley. Although it’s unlikely Goff will win, especially since Jackson earned first-team All-Pro honors from the same voters who select the MVP, being named a finalist is a significant achievement. Goff wrapped up the season with career highs, completing 72.4% of his passes for 8.6 yards per attempt, 37 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 111.8.
Additionally, Campbell is a finalist for Coach of the Year, competing with:
- Kevin O’Connell, Vikings
- Sean Payton, Broncos
- Dan Quinn, Commanders
- Andy Reid, Chiefs
Moreover, both of the Lions’ former coordinators are finalists for Assistant Coach of the Year. The five finalists for that award are:
- Ben Johnson, Lions OC
- Aaron Glenn, Lions DC
- Brian Flores, Vikings DC
- Vic Fangio, Eagles DC
- Joe Brady, Bills OC
You can view all of the Associated Press finalists for every award here.
The NFL Honors ceremony will air on Thursday, February 6 at 9 p.m. ET on FOX or NFL Network.
