Lions Bracing for Hank Fraley's Eventual Departure with Dan Skipper's Return

Dan Skipper's return to the Detroit Lions may be a backup plan for offensive line coach Hank Fraley's potential departure.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Detroit Lions have hired recently retired offensive tackle Dan Skipper to their coaching staff, which could be a move to prepare for the eventual departure of offensive line coach Hank Fraley. Fraley has seen his stock rise in recent years, with consideration for larger opportunities like offensive coordinator positions with other teams. The addition of Skipper, who retired after the 2025 season, may be a way for the Lions to have a potential replacement ready if Fraley leaves for another job in the coming years.

Why it matters

The Lions' offensive line has been a strength of the team in recent seasons, and Fraley's coaching has played a big role in that. Losing him could be a significant blow, so bringing in Skipper as a potential successor could help ease that transition if it occurs.

The details

Dan Skipper retired after the 2025 season, and the Lions have now hired him to their coaching staff. This move could be part of a larger plan to deal with the potential departure of offensive line coach Hank Fraley, whose stock has risen in recent years. Fraley has been considered for offensive coordinator positions with other teams, including the Seattle Seahawks and Chicago Bears, and he was also a candidate for the Lions' own offensive coordinator job. While Skipper will start in a minor role, he could eventually step into Fraley's position if the veteran coach leaves for another opportunity.

  • Dan Skipper retired after the 2025 season.
  • Hank Fraley has been the Lions' offensive line coach for the past six seasons, since 2020.

The players

Dan Skipper

A recently retired offensive tackle who has been hired to the Detroit Lions' coaching staff.

Hank Fraley

The Detroit Lions' offensive line coach for the past six seasons, whose stock has risen in recent years and has been considered for larger opportunities with other teams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I think everything you do in life, you're always learning from something and trying to get better at it. It was a great opportunity to at least look at and learn from. You never want to take things for granted. I just want to be the best O-line coach I can be, to be honest... It was an honor for somebody to call and reach out, and it was a great experience.”

— Hank Fraley, Detroit Lions Offensive Line Coach (Pride of Detroit)

What’s next

The Lions will continue to monitor Hank Fraley's status and potential interest from other teams, and they may look to elevate Dan Skipper into a more prominent role on the coaching staff if Fraley does end up leaving Detroit.

The takeaway

The addition of Dan Skipper to the Detroit Lions' coaching staff appears to be a proactive move to prepare for the potential departure of offensive line coach Hank Fraley, whose stock has risen in recent years. This highlights the Lions' commitment to maintaining the strength of their offensive line, even in the face of potential coaching changes.