Hank Fraley linked to Bears offensive coordinator job |
If you haven't had the opportunity to watch Ben Johnson's Introductory Press Conference, please do. Not only did he say many things you would expect him to, but his confidence in his ability to a winning product on the field from day one on has been refreshing.
Now that he has formally been introduced as the next Head Coach, Johnson can spend the next few days at Halas Hall putting together what he hopes to be an all-star caliber coaching staff. There have already been rumors about Dennis Allen coming over as the defensive coordinator and Darren Rizzi as the Special Teams coordinator. Those two alone would instantly make his coaching staff a slam dunk, but Johnson won't stop there, as his goal is to create the best staff in the NFL. Part of that could be poaching some of his buddies from the Detroit Lions organization, which is the case as Lions Offensive Line Coach Hank Fraley is the favorite to land the Offensive Coordinator gig in Chicago. Unlike many offensive coordinators in the game today, Fraley wouldn't be coming here to call plays, as Johnson is expected to do. Instead, Fraley would be in charge of many day-to-day operations and work closely with Johnson. Given the history these guys have together, including their time in Detroit, that may not be a bad idea, as having some continuity and prior relationship with staff can be a good thing. Not only was Johnson the architect who put the Lions' offense together, but Fraley played an equally important role in that success. The Lions had one of the best, if not the best, offensive lines in football. Anytime that happens offensively, things become easier, allowing the team to move the ball more consistently. Given that the Bears' offensive line has been the team's biggest weakness for four seasons, how refreshing would it be to bring in a guy who knows how to build an offensive line and coach it up? Ultimately, it still comes down to the talent on the line, which Ryan Poles will have to improve, but if Fraley is the man Johnson wants to lead this offense, the Bears will be in good hands. Although nothing official has been made apart from the rumors, many league executives, including Carmen Vitali, think it's a foregone conclusion and only a matter of time before Fraley lands in Chicago to join Johnson's staff. Even if he doesn't have the same experience as Allen or Rizzi, Fraley would be a massive hire for Johnson and the Bears, as that would give him someone he can trust on the coaching staff. The Bears hope his extensive work with offensive line groups and his experience with the offensive line in Detroit translate. That alone would be equivalent to two hires in one guy. How much easier would it be for the offensive coordinator to coordinate the offense, coach the offensive line, and get them playing at an all-pro level? That is a win-win scenario for the Bears, and they are not familiar with it when you look at the track record of their previous offensive coordinators, Luke Getsy and Shane Waldron. The single biggest reason Fraley hasn't taken the job in Chicago just yet is that he is a very hot commodity. He has been interviewing for several offensive coordinator openings, the most recent being with the Seattle Seahawks. Other teams have been interested in Fraley, but it hasn't been announced whether or not he will look to interview for any other teams apart from the ones he has. Regardless, Johnson has an advantage over any other team when you look at their past working relationship and the opportunity the Bears can give him in terms of a promotion. Expect a decision from Fraley to be made in the coming days, with Chicago as the clear favorite.
