The Detroit Lions fell short of expectations this year, and a big part of that was the performance of first-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. The Lions’ defensive showing wasn’t entirely Sheppard's fault, as the injuries piled up for the second straight season. But entering 2026, Sheppard could find himself on the hot seat as Detroit looks to rebound in the NFC North.
That seat got a lot warmer on Friday morning when NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Jim Schwartz was stepping down as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. Considered a candidate for the team’s head coaching job, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini added that Schwartz decided to step away for the 2026 season after the team hired Todd Monken again, and the move could make him one of the top defensive candidates in 2027.
That news should grab the attention of Sheppard, who may be coaching for his job this upcoming season.
Jim Schwartz’s Potential Return to Detroit Has Kelvin Sheppard on the Hot Seat in 2026
Unlike offensive counterpart John Morton, who was fired as offensive coordinator shortly after the season ended, Sheppard had some things out of his control. The Lions' defense was held back by a poor attempt to bolster the pass rush last offseason and got worse when all four members of the starting secondary went down with injuries.
Terrion Arnold’s shoulder and D.J. Reed’s hamstring should be ready for the start of the season, but Sheppard is also dealing with a stacked deck with Kerby Joseph managing a chronic knee injury and Brian Branch likely to miss the beginning of next season after tearing his Achilles. It’s also possible the Lions will look to make a bigger splash to find a better partner across from Aidan Hutchinson, putting pressure on Sheppard before the news of Schwartz’s resignation on Friday morning.
Sheppard’s unit ranked 18th in total defense and 22nd in scoring defense in his first season. If the Lions address some of their flaws and have better health, it eliminates some of the excuses that could be made to keep him around. But if they play at the same level, Schwartz, who was the head coach in Detroit from 2009 to 2013 and led the team to a playoff appearance in 2011, will only be a phone call away to become Sheppard’s replacement in 2027.
That could be enticing depending on how the 2026 season turns out. With most of the key offensive pieces back, including Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Jahmyr Gibbs, Sheppard’s defense could be under fire if the Lions fall short of expectations.
After missing the playoffs this year, it could be a last-gasp attempt to take advantage of a championship window that opened in 2023 and could inspire a big move, such as hiring Schwartz as the defensive coordinator.
It would be a disappointing ending for Sheppard, who was groomed to be Aaron Glenn’s successor since joining the staff in 2021. But it could also be the push he needs to make sure the 2026 season doesn’t end up as last season did.