Report: Steelers to Interview Hank Fraley for O-Line Coach Job

The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly brought in Hank Fraley to interview for their offensive line coach position, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

the #Steelists are interviewing Hank Fraley for their offensive line coach job Thursday, per source. Fraley – a former standout Robert Morris who originally signed with Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent in 2000 – held the same position with the #The Lions last season.

– Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 21, 2021

As Pelissero’s tweet indicates, Fraley was previously the Detroit Lions offensive line coach in 2020. He was fired as a new regime comes into place to replace Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn.

Fraley’s footballing career began briefly with the Pittsburgh Steelers, signing as UDFA in 2000. He found his niche in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, starting 71 games from 2001 to 2005 before having a career. successful with the Cleveland Browns from 2006 to 2008. He ended his career with the St. Louis Rams in 2010.

As a coach, Fraley made his debut with San Diego in 2012. He held the same position with San Jose State the following year and received his first NFL coaching gig in 2014, spending three seasons in as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line. He returned to college in 2017 as a UCLA o-line coach (replacing current Steelers assistant coach Adrian Klemm) before returning to the NFL with the Lions in 2018. He has first served as an assistant coach before being promoted to full-time duties in 2020.

Fraley has the mix of Steelers ties with a lot of playing and coaching experience in the NFL. The Steelers saw the benefit of this with Mike Munchak and clearly envision a better one with a similar CV (although few can touch Munchak’s Hall of Fame accomplishments).

Earlier today, Gerry Dulac reported that the Steelers were planning to hire an offensive line coach before filling their vacant offensive coordinator position. Shortly after the end of the 2020 season, Pittsburgh announced that it would not be renewing Shaun Sarrett’s contract. Klemm remains on the staff.