Amid the recent struggles of the Detroit Lions' offense, including a switch in play-caller, it can be easy to overlook what the defense is doing under the guidance of first-year coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
Entering Week 12, despite some notable injury absences, the Lions are a top-10 defense in yardage (total, rushing and passing) and points allowed this season. If head coach Dan Campbell could have set aside his aggressive fourth down tendencies against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11, the Lions might have come away with an ugly win.
Like Aaron Glenn before him, it's a matter of time before Sheppard goes from running the Lions' defense to being a head coach. If you watch his weekly sessions with the media this season, and recall his occassional media sessions when was the Lions' linebackers coach in previous years, you can see the qualities that will make him a head coach one day.
We also know how fiercely loyal to Campbell Sheppard is, so he is sure to be very discerning when it comes to the head coaching opportunity he takes. It would be surprising if he leaves after one season as a defensive coordinator, even if his alma mater came calling, but he may be wanted for interviews when the 2026 hiring cycle gets going.
Kelvin Sheppard lands on list that foretells his future
The sheer extent of the list can be questioned regarding legitimacy. But NFL Network's Tom Pelissero has again tapped into his league sources to shape a list of young head coaching candidates to watch as the 2026 hiring cycle approaches.
Sheppard, unsurprisingly, garnered prominent mention.
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"An eight-year NFL veteran as a linebacker, Sheppard finished his playing career in Detroit and rejoined the team on Dan Campbell's staff as outside linebackers coach in 2021. 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. 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."
If Pelissero's list were whittled down to a top-10, the 37-year old Sheppard would surely remain on it. Even if he isn't likely to be one-and-done as Lions' defensive coordinator, that says it all about his future. When the time is right, and the right fit is in play, Sheppard will be the next coordinator to leave Campbell and become a head coach.