Seahawks could be one step closer to hiring new offensive coordinator

A decision could be made soon.

Mike Macdonald of the Seattle Seahawks
Mike Macdonald of the Seattle Seahawks | Alika Jenner/GettyImages

Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow might not like it, but the Seattle Seahawks could be on the verge of hiring Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley. Maybe. Fraley is reported to be meeting with Seattle on Tuesday, which would be his second interview with the team.

Ragnow is a big fan of Fraley. He told the media recently, "You refuse to let Hank leave. I haven’t played in this league without Hank and I don’t plan on doing it. I’ll sabotage him, I’ll leak stories, whatever it takes."

Sure, Ragnow was being funny, but it's also telling that an offensive lineman would be such a fan of his position group. Fraley might have a bit of an adjustment to calling plays if he is hired as Seattle's OC, but he hopefully can begin improving the offensive line immediately. He has a streak of producing excellent offensive lines in Detroit.

The Seattle Seahawks reportedly interviewing Hank Fraley for a second time on Tuesday

He also appears to be the perfect example of what Mike Macdonald wants from his new OC. That is, Fraley understands how to win in the trenches, and he was part of an offense that ran quite a bit, and very effectively. Seattle fired offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb a day after this season ended partly because Grubb could not stay committed to running the ball and seemed to have little idea how to have a successful run game.

That shouldn't be the case with Fraley.

The Seahawks still have some other potential offensive coordinator hires they are interested in. Klint Kubiak was the New Orleans Saints OC, and he is highly respected around the league. Minnesota Vikings assistant OC/assistant quarterbacks coach Greg Udinski is also a possibility.

Fraley had not been able to interview in person with Seattle as his team was still in the playoffs. His first interview with Seattle was a virtual one. Tuesday will be an in-person interview. While no decision is expected to be made on Tuesday even if Fraley is hired, there is a likelihood that should the discussion go well, head coach Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks could make a final decision this week.

If Fraley is hired, Frank Ragnow won't like it, but 12s should. He would bring the approach Macdonald wants and a new kind of toughness to the offensive line.

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