Here’s a paraphrase of the article:
The Detroit Lions’ decision to hire Kelvin Sheppard as their next defensive coordinator has stirred mixed reactions, with some fans not fully onboard with the move. After Aaron Glenn left for the New York Jets, Sheppard, who has been a standout linebackers coach, was promoted to fill the vacancy. This wasn’t entirely unexpected, given Sheppard’s strong leadership and impressive work with the Lions’ linebackers, which has led to some of the best performances from the group in recent years.
That said, not everyone is pleased with the choice. Some fans expressed their disappointment on social media. The central question for the day was;
whether people approved of Sheppard being given the defensive coordinator role
My response is yes, but with a few reservations.
I’m genuinely happy for Sheppard—he’s certainly earned this opportunity. His impact on players like Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, and Malcolm Rodriguez speaks for itself. From the moment Sheppard started addressing the media, it was clear he had the potential to one day be a head coach. One of the key reasons I’m in favor of this hiring is a comment from Aaron Glenn: “Having Shep there with me, he’s been there from the beginning, and he knows exactly how I think—exactly. And that’s a guy that I’ve been actually mentoring to be in the DC role at some point. I think he’s damn near close, if not there, to be ready to do that. He’s a damn good coach.”
Coach Dan Campbell emphasized that they want to maintain their overall philosophy and terminology, making Sheppard a natural fit for the role.
That said, I was also hoping to see an external candidate brought in. The Lions’ defense has struggled in recent years, primarily due to talent issues—whether it was youth in previous seasons or injuries in 2024. A fresh perspective could have offered new ideas. I even considered someone like former Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who likely would have implemented a similar system but with his unique approach. His experience, including four years as a defensive coordinator, could have been a valuable addition. It’s possible, though, that Allen was never a serious candidate, especially with reports suggesting he might join Ben Johnson in Chicago.
Dan Campbell has excelled at attracting strong coaching talent to Detroit, as seen with the hire of defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers, who had offers from both the Packers and Buccaneers.
Instead of going outside the organization, the Lions opted to promote from within. Sheppard, while a strong coach, will now be tasked with calling plays for the first time in his career, which is a significant challenge as the team heads into a high-expectation 2025 season.
Ultimately, though, I support this move. Good organizations prepare for such transitions, and promoting from within ensures continuity. It’s clear the Lions have been preparing for Glenn’s departure for some time, and I’m confident that Sheppard is ready for the challenge.
I’d give the Lions a B+ for this hire.
