Handing out a grade of the Detroit Lions’ decision to hire Kelvin Sheppard as their next defensive coordinator.
After Saturday’s question, it was pretty obvious what my Question of the Day was going to be for Sunday. However, the Detroit Lions spoiled that opportunity by promoting linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to the defensive coordinator vacancy left by Aaron Glenn’s departure to the New York Jets.
It wasn’t a completely surprising decision by the Lions. Sheppard has been one of Detroit’s standout coaches over the past few years. Not only does he command the room with a great sense of leadership, but his work with the Lions’ linebacker room has produced the best play we’ve seen from that group in several years.
But based on a sampling of fans from social media on Saturday, not everyone is thrilled by this decision. So today’s Question of the Day:
Do you approve of Kelvin Sheppard getting the Lions’ defensive coordinator job?
My answer: Yes, but…
I am extremely happy for Sheppard. I think he’s done everything he possibly could to deserve consideration for this job. What he’s done with the likes of Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, and the rest of Detroit’s linebacking crew is undeniable. And as I’ve been saying since Sheppard first took the podium in front of media, he has that “it” factor to be a head coach one day. Perhaps the biggest reason I’m in favor of this hiring is because of what Glenn said last month.
“Having Shep there with me, he’s been there from the beginning, and he knows exactly how I think—exactly,” Glenn said. “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 said they don’t want to stray much from their overall philosophy and verbiage, which makes Sheppard the perfect candidate for the job.
However, I’ll admit I was looking forward to seeing an outsider get the job. I know the defense has been struggling for four years mainly because of talent—too young the first three years and too injury this past season. But it also feels like they could use some fresh eyes on the defense to bring more ideas to the table. I would have even preferred someone like former Saints defensive coordinator (and head coach) Dennis Allen. He likely would have brought a very similar system to what the Lions have, but would have his own spin on things and have new ideas for Detroit’s roster—plus he’d bring four years of previous defensive coordinator experience to the table. Maybe he was never on the table, with Ben Johnson reportedly luring him to Chicago.
One of the things Campbell has been great at since taking over is convincing good coaches to come to Detroit. Look no further than their defensive line coach hiring of Kacy Rodgers, who had interest from both the Packers and Buccaneers.
But instead of landing a coveted defensive coordinator, Detroit went back to their own well. Sheppard has a chance to succeed, but he’ll be calling plays for the first time in his career and that’s a big ask for a 2025 season that will come with the highest of expectations.
Still, I’m ultimately in favor of this, because this is how good organizations should work. Succession plans should be made for when it is time for their coordinators to leave, and it’s good business to promote from within. It’s clear Detroit has been planning for Glenn’s departure for at least a year now, and I’m confident Sheppard is up for the challenge.
I give the Lions a B+ grade for the hire.
What do you think? Vote in the poll below and then share your reasoning in the comment section below.
