The Chicago Bears finally climbed back to the top in 2025—and success always comes with consequences.
After winning their first NFC North title in eight years and reaching the divisional round of the playoffs, the Bears have already seen pieces of head coach Ben Johnson’s staff picked apart.
The biggest hit came last weekend, when offensive coordinator Declan Doyle accepted the same role with the Baltimore Ravens.
At face value, Doyle’s exit creates a clear problem for Chicago. But beneath the surface, it opens the door for something far more interesting—and far more uncomfortable for the Detroit Lions.
Because with one phone call, Ben Johnson could strengthen the Bears while directly weakening the team he just dethroned.
The Opportunity Created by Doyle’s Departure
Johnson now needs a new offensive coordinator for 2026. Ideally, it would be someone who already understands his offensive philosophy: physical run concepts, aggressive sequencing, and heavy tight-end usage.
According to A to Z Sports’ Mike Payton, Drew Petzing would have been the perfect fit. Johnson and Petzing share schematic DNA dating back to their time at Boston College, and the personal connection runs deep—Petzing was even a groomsman in Johnson’s wedding.
But Detroit moved first, hiring Petzing as their offensive coordinator last month.
That door is closed.
Another one is wide open.
Enter Hank Fraley
If Johnson wants familiarity, trust, and disruption all in one move, Hank Fraley checks every box.
Fraley has been a pillar of Detroit’s success up front, coaching one of the NFL’s most physical and consistent offensive lines.
He and Johnson worked together in Detroit for years—Fraley arriving in 2018, Johnson in 2019—and both rose rapidly through the organization.
Johnson already tried to bring Fraley to Chicago last offseason. The Lions blocked it by giving Fraley a raise. This year, the situation is different.
There is nothing structurally stopping Fraley from interviewing for Chicago’s offensive coordinator job.
And that’s where things get interesting.
Why This Would Hurt Detroit—Badly
Detroit’s offensive line has been the foundation of everything Dan Campbell wants to be: toughness, balance, identity.
Losing Fraley wouldn’t just mean replacing a coach—it would mean risking continuity in the Lions’ most stable unit.
And the timing couldn’t be worse.
Detroit already surrendered the division crown to Chicago. Losing a key architect of their offensive success, while the Bears reload, would feel like salt in the wound.
For Johnson, this isn’t about revenge. It’s about leverage.
Why This Makes Sense for Chicago
From the Bears’ perspective, Fraley offers three massive advantages:
System continuity – He already understands Johnson’s offense inside and out.
Instant credibility – Especially with offensive linemen and run-game design.
Competitive damage – Strengthening Chicago while destabilizing Detroit.
In the NFL, that’s not petty. That’s strategic.
The NFC North Reality
This is how power shifts in the NFL. Not with headlines or trash talk—but with quiet, surgical moves.
If Johnson makes that call and Fraley listens, the Bears could lock in offensive stability for years while forcing Detroit to scramble for answers.
One year after Chicago took the division, the ripple effects could extend far beyond the standings.
No guarantees. No drama. Just one decision.
And in a division this tight, one phone call can change everything.
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