The Lions are promoting linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to the role of defensive coordinator.
Sheppard, 37, joined Dan Campbell’s initial coaching staff in 2021 as outside linebackers coach and has overseen the entire linebacking unit for the past three seasons.
A former Lions player himself, Sheppard was widely considered the favorite to succeed Aaron Glenn, who left this week to become head coach of the New York Jets. The Lions also interviewed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebackers coach Larry Foote for the position on Friday.
In December, Glenn spoke highly of Sheppard’s readiness to run a defense, saying, “I think he’s damn near close if not ready to do that. And he’s a damn good coach.”
Sheppard, known for his fiery demeanor and straightforward approach with players, has been instrumental in the development of Jack Campbell into an every-down linebacker this season. He also helped Alex Anzalone play the best football of his career during his time with the Lions.
In December, Sheppard expressed confidence in his readiness to take on a defensive coordinator role.
“I’m very appreciative of the way Dan, Brad (Holmes), AG have structured this thing to put you in leadership roles within your room,” Sheppard said. “As many times as AG allows me to speak up in front of the defense and things like that, they don’t have to do those things.
“I have friends that coach in other buildings, and I know they’re not afforded those opportunities, so I don’t take them lightly. Every day I step foot in this place, it’s an unbelievable opportunity to grow as a person, as a player, being able to watch how Dan operates.”
Sheppard played eight seasons in the NFL with six teams, including a brief stint with the Lions in 2018.
His promotion continues a trend under Campbell of hiring coordinators he has previous ties with. Sheppard played for the Miami Dolphins in 2014-15 when Campbell was their tight ends coach and later interim head coach. Campbell also worked with Glenn during their time together with the New Orleans Saints. Similarly, Campbell had connections to his offensive coordinators, Ben Johnson (Dolphins) and Anthony Lynn (Cowboys), from earlier in his career.
The Lions have experienced significant turnover on their coaching staff since their season ended with a playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. In addition to Glenn and Johnson leaving for head coach jobs with the Jets and Chicago Bears respectively, defensive line coach Terrell Williams took the defensive coordinator job with the New England Patriots. Johnson also hired receivers coach Antwaan Randle El and assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett to his Bears staff.
The Lions are expected to remain in-house for their next offensive coordinator. Pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand, assistant head coach/running backs coach Scottie Montgomery, and quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell are all considered candidates for the role.
Speaking about Sheppard, Jack Campbell described him as “a great coach” and motivator in December.
“I’m never going to be head coach of all people, so I don’t know what to look for, but he shows up, works hard, holds people to standards, and I feel like that’s all you can really ask for,” Campbell said. “He’s just done a fantastic job. I hope he stays my linebacker coach for as long as I’m playing, but if not, congratulations to him.”
