Hank Fraley Stays with the Detroit Lions: A Big Win and a New Role

Fraley’s Decision to Stay
The Detroit Lions dropped major news on Friday, confirming that offensive line coach Hank Fraley is not leaving for Seattle or Chicago. Instead, he’s staying with the Lions, solidifying the foundation of one of the NFL’s most dominant offensive lines. This news is a huge win for the Lions, ensuring continuity in an area that has been key to their recent success.

Even more intriguing, Fraley isn’t just staying—he’s stepping into a new role as the Lions’ run game coordinator. This move suggests significant developments within the team’s coaching hierarchy and potentially hints at who will fill the offensive coordinator position.

A Strategic Move for the Lions’ Offense
The Lions didn’t have a run game coordinator last season, so Fraley isn’t replacing anyone in this role. However, by elevating him to this position, the Lions are clearly emphasizing the importance of their run-first philosophy. Fraley’s promotion could pave the way for Scottie Montgomery, the team’s running backs coach, to take over as offensive coordinator.

The logic is compelling. Montgomery has played a pivotal role in the team’s success and shares a similar leadership style to defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. As someone who commands respect from players and is deeply aligned with the Lions’ offensive identity, Montgomery seems like a natural fit.

Tanner Engstrand: A Wild Card?
Tanner Engstrand, another candidate for the offensive coordinator role, has garnered attention from fans and media alike. However, his future with the Lions remains uncertain. Engstrand has been linked to rumors involving Ben Johnson, and there’s a possibility he could follow Johnson to Chicago for their offensive coordinator position.

While Engstrand’s name remains in the mix, Montgomery’s alignment with the Lions’ existing philosophy gives him an edge. The Lions want to maintain their current offensive scheme, terminology, and run-first approach. Montgomery’s experience and leadership qualities make him a strong candidate to step into the role seamlessly.

The Bigger Picture: Why Fraley’s Promotion Matters
Fraley’s new role as run game coordinator signals the Lions’ commitment to continuity and excellence. Under his guidance, the team’s run game has flourished, and his promotion ensures that success will continue. This move also provides stability for the younger players on the offensive line, who will benefit from Fraley’s leadership as they develop.

Furthermore, the decision to create this role reflects the Lions’ forward-thinking approach. By assigning specific responsibilities to Fraley, the team is not only preserving its run game but also setting the stage for a smooth transition in leadership within the coaching staff.

What’s Next for the Lions?
With Fraley staying and taking on a larger role, the Lions’ focus now shifts to finalizing their offensive coordinator decision. The team has made it clear that they want to preserve their offensive identity, and Montgomery appears to be the most logical choice to lead the unit.

In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on the Lions’ coaching moves. Regardless of who takes the offensive coordinator position, Fraley’s retention and promotion provide a strong foundation for the team’s continued success.

Conclusion: Stability in a Crucial Offseason
The Detroit Lions are making all the right moves to set themselves up for long-term success. Keeping Hank Fraley and giving him a more prominent role is a testament to their commitment to continuity, leadership, and excellence.

As the coaching carousel continues to spin around the league, the Lions have demonstrated that their focus remains on building from within. With Fraley anchoring the offensive line and run game, the Lions are poised to maintain their dominance and take the next step toward becoming a consistent playoff contender.