While today has been a massive win thus for for the Chicago Bears, we did get a bit of potentially unfortunate news.
This morning, Ben Johnson was introduced as the new head coach of the Bears and his introductory press conference couldn’t have gone much better. From his opening statement to his direct answering of all questions asked, Johnson flourished and showed off his ability communicate clearly – a welcome change from the last few coaches to hold the position.
One nugget of information that came after the press conference, however, was a little bit of a bummer. Several Bears fans, myself included, as well as Carmen Vitali of Fox Sports had Lions Offensive Line Coach Hank Fraley as a likely candidate to leave Detroit and join Johnson’s staff in Chicago as the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach. According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, however, it doesn’t seem like that will be the case, and usually when Biggs drops info like this about the Bears it’s worth noting.
Hank Fraley Reportedly Won’t Join Bears Coaching Staff
While it’s not the end of the world that it appears Fraley won’t be making the trip from Detroit to Chicago with Ben Johnson, it is a bit of a bummer. Fraley is seen as one of, if not the best, offensive line coaches in the NFL today and has played a massive part in the Lions’ success in the trenches these past few seasons. Certainly, having Penei Sewell, Frank Ragnow, and Taylor Decker can make any offensive line very good. But the right offensive line coach can help make a good offensive line great, and a great one elite, and that’s what Hank Fraley did in Detroit.
As we all know, while there were several issues with the Chicago Bears both on and off the field last season, the biggest on the field was poor offensive line play. Both from a personnel standpoint and from a coaching standpoint, that unit lacked. They rarely ever seemed to be on the same page. Issues that should have been corrected in training camp were showing up all season. The interior of the offensive line had very different strengths and weaknesses which made it hard for them to succeed together. From identifying talent to coaching them up, it was all a problem. Hank Fraley could have helped there for sure.
Nothing is set in stone yet, of course. However, after hiring a defensive coordinator who Johnson brings in to coach his offensive line will be his next biggest hire. If the defensive coordinator hire is indeed Dennis Allen (he appears to be the favorite), that would be a big win. But finding the right candidate to help Chicago identify offensive line talent, develop that talent, and get them all on the same page should be the next item on Johnson’s list.
While it might be difficult to lure a top offensive line coach away from a position they’re comfortable in, Johnson can use the offensive coordinator title to his advantage. Sure, whoever takes on that title knows that they won’t be calling plays. But giving a top offensive line coach and offensive coordinator title and extra responsibility would allow them to gain experience developing an entire offense, plus serve as resume-booster for future opportunities.
Whoever comes in as the new OL coach will have their work cut out for them, but with the right pieces added this offseason and the right schemes offensively, there is potential for a quick turnaround with the right hire.