When Hank Fraley had an in-person interview with the Seattle Seahawks for their offensive coordinator position, the prospect of the Detroit Lions requiring a new offensive line coach became quite tangible.
As the architect of one of the top offensive lines in the NFL, Fraley, like many other staff members, has gained value due to Detroit’s success in recent years. During this offseason alone, the Lions parted ways with their offensive and defensive coordinators along with a few selected assistants.
Nevertheless, Fraley decided to stay in Detroit with an additional role as run game coordinator for the 2025 season. For reasons related to football and otherwise, the Motor City remains the home for what will be his eighth season with the team.
In addition to the culture the Lions have built under fifth-year coach Dan Campbell, Fraley sensed the draw of remaining home as he gets ready to send a third child off to college. Adopting the nomadic life of a coach, Fraley and his family have resided in numerous locations. In 2025, it will still be Detroit.
“You all have the chance to walk in this building nearly every day, and I do.” There are many factors at play, and much occurs beyond just football. I have four children, with a third one heading to college this year, which means three college expenses. “And then we still have two younger ones,” said Fraley. “Thus, family plays a significant role, but ultimately, it’s the room.” Coach Campbell plays a significant role in it. Family, we’ve been here for nearly eight years. For me, personally, the longest my kids have lived here is four years.
Therefore, family plays a significant role, yet it’s truly the room. Coach Campbell plays a significant role in it. Family, we’ve been here for nearly eight years. For me, my children have lived here for the longest time, which is four years. Therefore, I would say Michigan is their home, even though they’ve traveled everywhere and resided in various parts of the country. “However, for my wife and me, home at this moment is here in Michigan.”
Fraley viewed the long flight to Seattle as a chance to gain knowledge. He absorbed the insights and expertise gained from interviewing for a coordinator role. During a discussion with head coach Mike Macdonald, he believes he gained a lot of knowledge that will aid his development as the offensive line coach for the Lions.
He’s also receptive to considering a similar opportunity in the future, yet he thinks Detroit is the ideal location for him in 2025.
“It was an admirable honor for someone to contact, to connect.” “I believed it was a wonderful experience; we had an excellent meeting,” Fraley clarified. “I’m really happy to be back here, as this is where I wished to be with my family.” We have something unique here, we have a unique room. Mike (Macdonald) performed wonderfully, and it was an excellent learning opportunity. Should it ever occur again, it would be another opportunity to — I’ve already made that move, what can I improve or what can I avoid improving? “(Detroit) was certainly the place I wished to be, here, at this moment.”
Regarding the additional role of run-game coordinator, Fraley is unsure about the new responsibilities that will arise at this stage of the offseason program. Nonetheless, having managed the offensive line group for an extended period, he understands that he will continually oversee what entails that role while collaborating with assistant Steve Oliver.