At the Super Bowl media night in New Orleans, Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo offered high praise for the Detroit Lions’ newly appointed defensive coordinator, Kelvin Sheppard, suggesting that could be the next future head coach in Detroit.
“I knew he’d always be a coach and a really good one,” Spagnuolo said, according to the Detroit Free Press.
Sheppard’s connection with Spagnuolo dates back to their time together on the New York Giants during parts of the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Spagnuolo highlighted Sheppard’s intelligence as a key factor that set him apart on the field.
“Kelvin came there, I thought he just kind of galvanized all the guys with his football intelligence and just the way he played the game,” Spagnuolo noted. “And you can see it now as a coach.”
Sheppard, who wrapped up his playing career with the Lions, transitioned into coaching in 2021. In a short period, he quickly ascended from outside linebackers coach to linebackers coach, ultimately earning the role of defensive coordinator just last month, taking over from Aaron Glenn.
Spagnuolo, reflecting on Sheppard’s potential, believes the Lions have a future head coach on their hands. “Kelvin Sheppard, if I could make a mini projection, will be a head coach in this league, in my opinion,” he said.
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Three Detroit Lions Make 2025’s Top 100 Free Agent List
With the Detroit Lions’ season ending prematurely, they now face the task of evaluating expiring player contracts. Pro Football Focus (PFF) highlights three players they should prioritize keeping.
Carlton Davis III, Cornerback
Carlton Davis III ranked among the top 25 most valuable free agents. A former second-round pick, Davis joined the Lions in the offseason after spending time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his first season with Detroit, Davis recorded 56 tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 2 interceptions in just 13 games, as he missed time due to a fractured jaw sustained during a game against the Buffalo Bills.
Kevin Zeitler, Offensive Guard
Kevin Zeitler, ranked six spots below Davis III, is an appealing free agent. The veteran guard and former first-round pick had one of his best seasons with Detroit, finishing with a pass-block rate of 78.8% and a run-block rate of 87.2%. Though Zeitler is approaching the end of his career, he still provides considerable value to any team.
Levi Onwuzirke, Defensive Tackle
Levi Onwuzirke, ranked 40th on PFF’s list of most valuable free agents, has shown promise but struggled with injuries throughout his four seasons in Detroit. During the 2024 season, Onwuzirke posted 16 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. If he can stay healthy and have a breakout season, Onwuzirke could become an important contributor for any team
