ALLEN PARK -- Kelvin Sheppard has done an impressive job in his first season as Detroit Lions defensive coordinator.
Now, Sheppard is getting some outside attention for his efforts. NFL Network’s annual list of young head-coaching candidates to watch in the upcoming cycle included Sheppard this time around.
“When Aaron Glenn got the Jets job last January, it was an easy decision to promote Sheppard, whose high-octane personality and understanding of the big picture immediately impressed in the bigger role,” the NFL Network writes." Detroit’s defense hasn’t missed a beat, improving in many categories from 2024 with the return of star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson.
“Campbell believes Sheppard will be an outstanding head coach sooner than later. For any team seeking the next Dan Campbell, Sheppard fits the mold.”
Sheppard is the only Lions coach to make this year’s list. Last year, former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was featured, and he’s led the Chicago Bears to a 7-3 start as a first-year head coach.
That last line is quite the endorsement based on Campbell’s quick turnaround and culture-building ways in Detroit.
Detroit’s defense ranks sixth in net passing yards allowed per attempt (5.6) and 11th in rushing yards allowed per carry (4.0). The Lions are fifth in total yards allowed, and rank fourth in third-down conversion rate (34.4%) through 10 games.
Sheppard’s defense hasn’t allowed a 300-yard passer or 100-yard rusher in any game this season, something they haven’t done through the first 10 games since 1969.
Considering that the Lions have been without top cornerback D.J. Reed since Week 4, veteran pass rusher Marcus Davenport since Week 2, with Terrion Arnold missing three games and Kerby Joseph missing the last four, it’s an impressive feat.
As coach Dan Campbell takes over calling the offense, he’s leaning on his coaches to carry the load. And with the defense, he’s trusting Sheppard even more than he already has as his attention turns further to the offense.
“Shepp’s done a hell of a job, but I’m going to have to lean on him over there with that unit, which he’s earned that trust, and he’s been outstanding for us,” Campbell recently said.
“Those guys are cooking right now.”
Sheppard hasn’t tried to hide his aspirations to be a head coach one day. He’s already had to deal with outside rumors this season with the position at his alma mater, LSU, opening up.
When asked, he said, “Whatever may lie out there for me, God willing,” it will happen through his success as Detroit’s defensive coordinator and not politicking for any role.
Ahead of last year’s Super Bowl, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said he always knew Sheppard would be a really good coach. He even went as far as to make a prediction for his future aspirations.
“Kelvin Sheppard, if I could make a mini projection, will be a head coach in this league, in my opinion,” Spagnuolo said.
Sheppard has also spent a ton of time developing and working with Campbell. The defensive coordinator was a player when Campbell took over as the Miami Dolphins interim coach in 2015. And it was Campbell who gave Sheppard his first shot at coaching in the NFL, not far removed from his playing career.
“Being able to watch how Dan operates -- I had the ability to watch him operate, being in the locker room as a player down in Miami, and now as a coach -- on both ends of that spectrum,” Sheppard previously said. “I can tell you I would not rather have the opportunity to learn from another man than him.”
There aren’t an overflowing amount of young offensive coordinators, at least not as much in recent years. But if teams are looking to follow Detroit’s blueprint and hire a culture-building, player-first coach to lead them into the future, then Sheppard makes a ton of sense as one to watch.
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