Despite his name being associated with several teams in the last 48 hours, following a second interview with the Seattle Seahawks, developments are increasingly favouring Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley’s appointment as the new offensive coordinator on Mike Macdonald’s staff.
Following the Lions’ playoff elimination on Saturday, the Seahawks promptly sought a second meeting with Fraley, conducting an in-person interview on Tuesday after a virtual talk on January 10, as soon as NFL regulations allowed. As the two parties met, speculation emerged about his possible appointment as the offensive coordinator under head coach Ben Johnson with the Bears, although his promotion by the Lions to succeed Johnson also remained a possibility.
However, with the coaching carousel rapidly turning on Wednesday, Fraley’s opportunities outside the Pacific Northwest seem to be diminishing, so enhancing the likelihood that Seattle would get his services if he has emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Ryan Grubb.
Bears reporter Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune reported on Wednesday afternoon that Johnson was not anticipated to bring Fraley with him to Chicago as the new offensive coordinator, which is unsurprising considering he would not be responsible for calling plays in that role. Subsequently, it was reported that Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn had accepted the head coaching position with the Jets and intended to choose quarterback coach Mark Brunell as the coordinator for his inaugural coaching staff.
Furthermore, according to a source who communicated with Seahawks On SI, Detroit coach Dan Campbell appears ready to elevate passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand to offensive coordinator, thereby opting for an internal option rather than Fraley to replace Johnson. Brunell has also been considered for that role.
Assembling all the components, Fraley’s previously abundant options at the onset of the coaching cycle have significantly diminished. While it is conceivable that Johnson or Glenn may reconsider him if they fail to secure their primary selections, the likelihood of this occurring appears minimal, since Engstrand has been mentored by Johnson for the past two years in preparation for this opportunity.
Thus far, Fraley has exclusively interviewed with the Seahawks, who have also conducted two meetings with Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Vikings assistant quarterback coach Grant Udinski. Several teams, notably the Jaguars, Raiders, and Saints, still require an offensive coordinator and have not yet appointed a new head coach.
All three situations remain dynamic, and depending on the coaching appointments made by each organisation, Fraley may be considered for play-calling responsibilities if he stays available. However, none of those positions provide the kind of talent present on the Seahawks’ roster, which includes a seasoned Pro Bowl quarterback in Geno Smith, two elite receivers in DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and a duo of powerful running backs in Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.
If Seattle does not consider Fraley the foremost candidate over Kubiak or Udinski, he may opt to return to the Lions to retain his position as offensive line coach rather than undertake the demanding role of coordinating offences in Las Vegas or New Orleans with subpar personnel.
Consequently, Macdonald and Schneider seem to be exercising patience and diligence, certain that they can secure their preferred candidate without hastening their decision-making process. Kubiak and Udinski have not yet been employed by another organisation, hence those options remain viable.
Currently, the Seahawks have not appointed Kubiak or Udinski, suggesting that the franchise is inclined to select Fraley, whose exemplary record as a premier line coach and expertise in the run game align with Macdonald’s objective of establishing a robust, physical offence. Having studied under Johnson, he is well-prepared to advance to coordinator and possesses an exemplary reputation as a coach for whom players will exert maximum effort, facilitating the transition and gaining the locker room’s support.
If Tuesday’s interview was successful, and provided that Fraley, Macdonald, and Seattle’s decision-makers can concur on an arrangement for a passing game coordinator to collaborate with him as a novice play caller, the prospects for this engagement to evolve into a job offer appear promising and imminent.
