Lions Officially Name New Defensive Coordinator for 2025

The Detroit Lions wasted no time in finding a replacement for their former defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, who left to become the head coach of the New York Jets earlier this week. Only a few days after Glenn's departure, the Lions announced the hiring of linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator, per NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

NFL News: Lions Hire Kelvin Sheppard as Defensive Coordinator

It has been a meteoric rise for the former linebacker. Sheppard finished his playing career in Detroit after the 2018 season. After going back to his alma mater, LSU to work as the director of player development for a season, Sheppard returned to the Lions as an outside linebackers coach in 2021. Working under Aaron Glenn, he was promoted to linebackers coach a season later.

Following his three seasons in that role, Sheppard has now been promoted to the defensive coordinator position.

The 37-year-old coach spent eight seasons in the NFL as a player, playing for five different teams and starting in 63 games. The former third-round pick had successful stints with the Bills, Dolphins, and Giants before landing in Detroit in Matt Patricia's first season as a head coach. He was playing for Miami during Dan Campbell's time as an interim head coach for the Dolphins.

The Sheppard hire is in line with what the Lions have been prioritizing under Dan Campbell. An excellent locker room presence that commands a ton of respect from his players, Sheppard is a perfect representative of the culture Campbell has been trying to instill in Detroit. The perfect player's coach who has been a veteran in this league for a long time, Sheppard was considered to be the favorite to land the job if the Lions wanted an in-house hire.

Sheppard has previously discussed his desire to become a defensive coordinator in this league. He was going to get that opportunity sooner or later. Campbell likely didn't want to lose an in-house talent like Sheppard, with whom he has built a positive working relationship. Sheppard represents continuity, and after the best regular season in franchise history, that is understandable from the organization.

Now, it's time to hire an offensive coordinator. This may increase the likelihood of the Lions going with another in-house hire like Tanner Engstrand or Scottie Montgomery for that position.

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