By Moses Joshua 
Miami’s sudden head-coaching vacancy has put Detroit’s defensive brain trust back in the league-wide spotlight — and the timing couldn’t be worse.
A Surprise Interview Request From South Beach
Just when the Lions thought the carousel of coordinator chaos was slowing down, it may be spinning up again.
Kelvin Sheppard’s debut season as Detroit’s defensive coordinator drew mixed reactions from fans, but it was apparently strong enough to catch the attention of another franchise in turmoil. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Miami Dolphins have requested permission to speak with Sheppard about their newly opened head coaching job following the dismissal of Mike McDaniel.
If granted, it would mark Sheppard’s first-ever interview for an NFL head coaching position — a remarkable rise for a coach who has only spent one year running a defense at the professional level.
Déjà Vu for Dan Campbell and the Lions
For Lions head coach Dan Campbell, the news feels uncomfortably familiar.
Just one year ago, Detroit was gutted when both coordinators were poached — Aaron Glenn left to become head coach of the Jets, while Ben Johnson bolted to Chicago. The aftermath has been painful to watch. Glenn’s Jets limped to a 3–14 finish, but Johnson has turned the Bears into an NFC Divisional Round participant, even engineering a stunning comeback against Green Bay that still stings in Detroit.
If Sheppard were to follow suit, the Lions would be staring down the same nightmare scenario: trying to replace both coordinators in back-to-back offseasons, all while attempting to claw back into the playoff picture after a disappointing 9–8 campaign.
Why Losing Sheppard Would Still Hurt — Even With the Criticism
Sheppard’s first season wasn’t perfect. Detroit’s defense had uneven stretches, and in several losses the unit simply couldn’t close games. That inconsistency has left portions of the fan base unconvinced.
But perspective matters. Sheppard inherited a defense ravaged by injuries and turnover, and his system showed flashes of aggressiveness and adaptability. Losing him now wouldn’t just mean replacing a play-caller — it would mean ripping out another piece of continuity from a coaching staff already in flux.
And with the Lions actively searching for a new offensive coordinator after firing John Morton, adding a defensive search to Campbell’s to-do list would be a massive complication.
How Real Is the Threat?
In all likelihood, Sheppard’s jump to head coach may be premature. One season as a coordinator is rarely enough to earn the keys to an NFL franchise, especially one in crisis like Miami.
Still, the request alone signals how highly league insiders are beginning to view him. And even if he doesn’t land the Dolphins job, this may not be the last time Detroit hears his name in connection with top openings.
The Bigger Picture in Detroit
The Lions already missed the playoffs at 9–8. They’re fighting to prove their Super Bowl window hasn’t slammed shut. Stability — not upheaval — is what this roster desperately needs.
If Miami ultimately lures Kelvin Sheppard away, Detroit won’t just be losing a coordinator. They’ll be losing precious momentum, once again forced to reinvent their coaching structure while rivals around them surge forward.