The Chicago Bears got their guy earlier this week in hiring the highly-coveted Ben Johnson. He should definitely be able to help Caleb Williams and the Bears offense grow and become a competitive unit in the NFL. It will not just be Johnson that makes this happen, however. He is now going to need to put together a staff that can aid in developing the offense.
Johnson has reportedly already been working on gathering his staff including possible defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and special teams coordinator, Darren Rizzi. It obviously helps out a first-time head coach to have another guy in the staff with head coaching experience which is exactly what he would be getting in these two.
Johnson will obviously be calling the plays on offense, but the job of the offensive coordinator should not be overlooked. There were immediate rumors online that Johnson would be taking an assistant he worked with in Detroit with him to serve as his offensive coordinator.
Bears Reportedly Not Adding Hank Fraley
As is the case whenever a coordinator becomes the head coach somewhere, the rumors start flying about him bringing over all his guys from the prior team. There was buzz recently that Johnson would hire current Lions offensive line coach, Hank Fraley, as his offensive coordinator.
I think Bears fans would welcome this hire easily after seeing what the Lions have built in the trenches, but unfortunately Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune shot this down.
Does not sound like #Bears will be a destination for #Lions OL coach Hank Fraley. Perhaps Ben Johnson does get an assistant from Detroit to join him but Fraley is not expected. Johnson isn’t going to raid Dan Campbell’s staff.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) January 22, 2025
Fraley played in over 140 NFL games mostly at center, but some guard as well. It wasn't long after his retirement that he got into coaching as he was done playing in 2011, leading the University of San Diego's offensive line in 2012.
His first stint in the NFL was with the Minnesota Vikings, where he served as the assistant offensive line coach from 2014-2016. In between the Lions and Vikings he had a year with the UCLA Bruins, but was fired after just one season
Detroit's offensive line has been one of the best in the league over the past few seasons and Fraley should get credit for it. The Lions also heavily invested in the trenches through the draft so they have the guys needed, but it still takes a coach to get the best out of said talent.
The obvious ties to Johnson led many to believe this was an easy match to make, but apparently that is not the case. The Seahawks have interviewed him twice now for their vacant offensive coordinator role.
Lions OL coach Hank Fraley set for second interview for Seahawks offensive coordinator. https://t.co/51DwDRj7hN
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 21, 2025
It will be interesting to see where he lands, as he is one of many Lions' coaches likely on their way out due to the team's success recently. Johnson will surely bring over pieces if possible, but doesn't look like Fraley will be the offensive coordinator as many have hoped for.
In other Bears news: