DETROIT — The Lions didn’t need to look far for their new defensive coordinator.
Detroit promoted former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to take over the position, replacing Aaron Glenn, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Saturday, confirming a report from NFL.com.
After an impressive 15-win season, Glenn and former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson both left to take head coaching roles with the New York Jets and Chicago Bears, respectively.
Sheppard joined the Lions’ staff as the outside linebackers coach in 2021, during head coach Dan Campbell’s early days in Detroit. Over the last three seasons, he has coached the entire linebackers group, showcasing his ability to develop young talent.
At 37, Sheppard played eight seasons in the NFL from 2011 to 2018, with stints at Buffalo, Indianapolis, Miami, the New York Giants, and Detroit. He was selected by the Bills in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft (68th overall).
After losing in the NFC divisional round to Washington as the No. 1 seed, Campbell stated he would evaluate both internal and external candidates to fill coaching vacancies before ultimately choosing Sheppard as the defensive coordinator.
“I think we’ve got guys on staff that I think are more than qualified and would be outstanding in those roles, but that does not mean that I’m not looking outside either,” Campbell said on January 20. “So, I want what I believe is going to be as close to what we have been as possible, and we don’t lose what we’re about and our identity, and like what you just asked, we’re going to stay true to who we are, and if you’re somebody that doesn’t feel comfortable with that, then no, I don’t — this isn’t the job for you.”
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Jared Goff selected as MVP finalist, multiple Detroit Lions coaches nominated for awards
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is a finalist for MVP, and coach Dan Campbell, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson are also contenders for NFL Honors awards.
The NFL Honors, the league’s annual awards ceremony, will be held on Thursday, February 6, just days before the Super Bowl. This week, the NFL revealed the finalists for its various awards, and several Detroit Lions could be taking home some accolades.
Notably, Goff is one of five finalists for Most Valuable Player, alongside Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Saquon Barkley. Although it’s unlikely Goff will win, especially since Jackson earned first-team All-Pro honors from the same voters who select the MVP, being named a finalist is a significant achievement. Goff wrapped up the season with career highs, completing 72.4% of his passes for 8.6 yards per attempt, 37 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 111.8.
Additionally, Campbell is a finalist for Coach of the Year, competing with:
- Kevin O’Connell, Vikings
- Sean Payton, Broncos
- Dan Quinn, Commanders
- Andy Reid, Chiefs
Moreover, both of the Lions’ former coordinators are finalists for Assistant Coach of the Year. The five finalists for that award are:
- Ben Johnson, Lions OC
- Aaron Glenn, Lions DC
- Brian Flores, Vikings DC
- Vic Fangio, Eagles DC
- Joe Brady, Bills OC
You can view all of the Associated Press finalists for every award here.
The NFL Honors ceremony will air on Thursday, February 6 at 9 p.m. ET on FOX or NFL Network.
