The Detroit Lions have become a model franchise under Dan Campbell in recent years, but the consequence was losing some of his key assistants. Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn were the biggest names to leave Detroit last offseason as they took head coaching opportunities, and it created a chance for others on the staff to step up.
John Morton is still making a name for himself on the offensive side of the ball but the Lions took a bold risk hiring Kelvin Sheppard to replace Glenn as the team’s defensive coordinator. While Sheppard had been groomed for the position, nobody knew how this was going to go until Sheppard’s defense turned in a brilliant performance on Sunday night.
With seven sacks highlighting a 38-30 victory, Sheppard was more than excited on the Detroit sidelines during the game. But also was willing to give a stern critique of his team, telling ESPN’s Eric Woodyard that it was “not OK” for his team to give up 30 points. He also told Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News that the Lions have “yet to play up to the standard” they want and sees plenty of room for improvement.
“I want to see what it looks like when we make the opponent earn their keep,” Sheppard added.
Kelvin Sheppard is the Perfect Fit for the Lions Defense
Campbell has had his eyes set on Sheppard for this role for a long time. While Glenn was his first choice for a defensive coordinator, Sheppard had to complete three interviews before landing the outside linebackers coach job in 2021. Sheppard was later promoted to linebackers coach, and his no-nonsense style was on full display in a viral clip where he warned veterans about then-rookie Malcolm Rodriguez taking their job on Hard Knocks.
Glenn described Sheppard as “tough” and “gritty” and Campbell echoed those comments believing he was ready for the job during February’s NFL Scouting Combine.
“Shep is somebody that I’ve always believed could be an outstanding coach. And about two years ago, I just felt like…he’ll be ready to be a coordinator sooner than later,” Campbell said. “And so AG and I had talked about it and tried to give him more responsibility over the last two years. And with that in mind for him, it meant this is the next step. This is the next step without telling him.”
Sheppard has taken the next step and turned it into a giant leap in the first three weeks. While the Lions' defense didn’t have a sack in the Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers, they’ve racked up 11 over the past two weeks. But as Sheppard noted, there is room for improvement, such as the 78 points allowed (10th in the NFL) and 5.6 yards per play (11th in the NFL).
A gritty leader that holds players accountable is the perfect coach for Campbell’s staff, and hopefully the Lions iron things out and live up to Sheppard’s standard as the season continues.