Detroit Lions fans are apoplectic right now. They always knew they were going to lose offensive coordinator Ben Johnson at some point. He had been having way too much success over the past three years, and the NFL team would inevitably come calling. What makes it so much worse is that Johnson opted to go to the Chicago Bears, their hated division rival. Losing him is one thing. Having to go against him is something else entirely. Well, the misery might not be over for Lions fans. Another gut punch appears to be looming.
Carmen Vitali of FOX Sports appeared on the CHGO Bears Podcast to discuss the Johnson situation. From what she’s heard from people in Detroit, offensive line coach Hank Fraley is expected to join the Bears staff, most likely as offensive coordinator. This would be a massive coup. Fraley is considered one of the best line coaches in the league. He helped develop Jonah Jackson and Penei Sewell into Pro Bowlers. In three years of working with Johnson, Detroit allowed 24, 31, and 33 sacks, respectively. They also finished top-6 in rushing twice.
The Chicago Bears are helping Johnson build a stellar staff.
They’ve already lined up a new defensive coordinator. Former Saints head coach Dennis Allen is expected to take the role. Many view him as one of the best options on the market. Fraley would be an ideal addition to help fix the significant issues up front. Chicago allowed 67 sacks this past season. Part of that was talent issues and a young QB who held the ball at times. However, it was clear they also weren’t overly well-coached. Fraley should help clean up their mistakes and identify good players in the coming off-season.
Johnson deserves credit for this. He was obviously prepared for this moment. He’d spent time wisely lining up assistants for when he took a head coaching job. Allen and Fraley are two excellent additions who should bring proven track records to the Chicago Bears. It will be interesting to see who else he has in mind. Word is Johnson hopes to add assistants with head coaching experience in their backgrounds. There could be some interesting options out there.
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Makes me wonder if Johnson isn’t still calling the plays even if Fraley is listed as the OC, another thing is the Bears finally get rid of Morgan. I could never figure why they even kept him let alone gave him more titles. Oh well, this should help fill up some of the time for all those insiders until we get to the draft. Thank Goodness.
Ben Johnson’s time management skills are already on display, as he didn’t waste precious offseason days before luring a top defensive coord and one of the best OL coaches.
Now on to strength/conditioning and OC!
DC Allen will have Bears playing more aggressively and Fraley will clean up and improve the OL.
Coaching makes all the difference as Goff was considered a bust by the Rams but BJ turned him into a Pro Bowler with a balanced attack. And Fraley helped make Detroit one of the best OLs in the NFL.
Who will be the new OC? Any guesses?
I spent about 5 days in Chicago when I went to the draft in ’16. I was fortunate to attend the first 3 rounds. I love that town, and it was one of the best experiences of my life.
@jmscooby – I thought you might have some interest in your “home” team. I know that’s what keeps me a Bears fan… otherwise, I’d have found greener pastures a long time ago.
But, I’m nostalgic. Silly, I suppose. But I have fond memories of growing up in Chicago.
And, heck, I can still be happy for you. As a Bear fan you must feel pretty good about the BJ signing. I know that I see it as meaning things will get straightened out – or George is going to be a ton of money.
That’s real incentive.
@Tred. I’m a Bears fan. I really don’t care about the Patriots, honestly.
I do like the Bruins, but I’m afraid they are about to experience some lean years because I think their championship window closed down…Just like the Lions just did.