The Detroit Lions are focused on the offseason and improving their team for the 2025 campaign. Last season didn't end the way fans were hoping, as they were sent packing the divisional round by the Washington Commanders.
Shortly after that departure, the Lions had both Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn leave town for head coaching gigs. Glenn became the head coach of the New York Jets and there was a void at DC. The Lions ultimately elevated Kelvin Sheppard from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator for the 2025 season.
Glenn was speaking with media at the NFL Scouting Combine and he gave some high praise for Sheppard.
He said, "He’s tough. He’s gritty. He understands ball from a number of different perspectives. Totally have a lot of confidence in that man."
Glenn on new Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard: “He’s tough. He’s gritty. He understands ball from a number of different perspectives. Totally have a lot of confidence in that man.” https://t.co/s86r8MBv57
— Richard Silva (@rich_silva18) February 25, 2025
Kelvin Sheppard Receives High Praise From Aaron Glenn
Sheppard is someone who'll be able to connect with players on a different level since he was a former player himself. The 37-year-old was a third-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. He made stops with the Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and even the Lions.
The Georgia native came onto Detroit's staff in 2021 as an outside linebackers coach before becoming their linebackers coach in 2022. The latest promotion is the latest example that Sheppard is viewed highly in that organization.
Glenn was also a former player that saw tremendous success as a coach. He sees the same kind of trajectory for Sheppard and the Lions will need that.
Last season, their defense was hammered with injuries all across the field but they still played hard. That's a testament to coaching and the culture in Detroit.
With Sheppard slated to have more on his plate in 2025, there's a ton of belief in him inside and outside the building.