Lions Players Vow to Keep Beloved Coach Hank Fraley Amid NFL Interest

DETROIT, Mich. — Detroit Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley, one of the team’s most respected and beloved figures, is drawing interest from other NFL teams, but his players are determined to keep him in Detroit. Following the Lions’ Divisional Round loss, players like center Frank Ragnow and right tackle Penei Sewell made it clear they would do whatever it takes to ensure Fraley stays with the team.

“You refuse to let Hank leave,” Ragnow said during locker room cleanout day on Sunday. “I haven’t played in this league without Hank, and I don’t plan on doing it. I’ll sabotage him, I’ll leak stories, whatever it takes.” Sewell echoed the sentiment, stating, “He’s not going nowhere at the end of the day. He’s not going nowhere.”

Fraley, who joined the Lions as an assistant offensive line coach in 2018, has built deep connections with his players. For Sewell, their relationship dates back to Fraley’s time recruiting him at UCLA. “He’s just been one of those pillars for me in this organization,” Sewell said. “When I first came in, I fell in love with him, and we’ve got a history, too. He’s like coach (Dan) Campbell in terms of a figure in my eyes.”

Ragnow, a Pro Bowl center, credits Fraley’s experience as a former NFL center for his own development. “I don’t think I could play in this league without the guy. He’s everything to me,” Ragnow said. “He’s been there since Day 1. He empowers his players and creates an open dialogue. Him being a former center has been invaluable to me.”

Rookie offensive lineman Giovanni Manu also expressed his desire for Fraley to stay, citing the coach’s impact on his growth. “I’ve gotten to a point where I feel like I’ve created a good relationship with him,” Manu said. “I don’t think any other o-line coach understands me more than he does.”

Fraley’s future with the Lions could take several paths. If offensive coordinator Ben Johnson or defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn land head coaching jobs elsewhere, Fraley could follow as their offensive coordinator. Alternatively, he could be promoted internally to replace Johnson. Ragnow endorsed the idea, saying, “I truly think he would be great. He’s bright, man. He’s so creative in what he does with this offense.”

As NFL coaching carousel rumors swirl, Lions players are making their stance clear: Hank Fraley is irreplaceable. With Fraley’s track record of player development and the strong bonds he’s built, his future will be a key storyline for Detroit this offseason.