By Sunday 
The coaching carousel may have slowed down, but in the NFL, it never truly stops.
Just when the appeared to have survived the offseason hiring frenzy intact, a fresh twist has emerged. And while the odds may be slim, the possibility is real enough to raise eyebrows in Allen Park.
Let’s just say this: Detroit might not be completely “out of the woods.”
The Raiders Move That Started It All
The final domino of the 2026 hiring cycle fell when the hired as head coach. But because the hire came late, Kubiak now faces the pressure of building a full staff quickly.
Naturally, his eyes could drift toward familiar faces in Seattle.
That puts and the in adjustment mode — and that’s where things start getting interesting for Detroit.
Most expect Seattle to promote from within. Names like quarterbacks coach Andrew Janocko, offensive line coach John Benton, and pass-game coordinator Jake Peetz have all surfaced as logical internal options.
But then came the quiet line that felt like a thunderclap.
The “Outside Name to Watch”
In a post–Super Bowl column, Sports Illustrated’s reinforced the internal promotion expectation — before adding:
“Either way, I’d view Janocko, Benton and pass-game coordinator Jake Peetz as the top internal candidates to be Macdonald’s coordinator, with Lions run-game coordinator Hank Fraley looming as one outside name to watch.”
There it is.
The bombshell.
isn’t just any assistant. He’s a foundational piece of what has built in Detroit. Offensive line coach. Run-game coordinator. Developer of one of the league’s most physical fronts.
Losing him wouldn’t be minor. It would sting.
Loyalty vs. Opportunity
Fraley interviewed for Seattle’s offensive coordinator job last year — twice. He didn’t get it. Detroit responded by expanding his role, adding run-game coordinator to his title.
But here’s the uncomfortable question:
How many times can a coach be passed over internally before he seriously considers leaving for the promotion elsewhere?
Fraley has strong ties to Michigan. His son transferring to Michigan State certainly suggests comfort and stability in staying put. And his loyalty to Campbell is well known.
Still, the offensive coordinator title is different. That’s a career leap.
If Seattle decides to look beyond internal candidates — and that’s still a big “if” — the Lions could suddenly find themselves in an unexpected fight to keep one of their own.
Why This Would Matter More Than You Think
Detroit’s identity under Campbell has been clear: physical, disciplined, and dominant in the trenches. Fraley has been central to that transformation.
Continuity matters — especially for a team with championship expectations.
The good news? Nothing is imminent. This remains speculative. Internal promotions are still the favorite outcome in Seattle.
But in the NFL, speculation can turn into reality overnight.
And for a Lions team trying to build sustained dominance, even the faint rumble of another coaching departure feels like a bombshell waiting to drop.