Inside Detroit Lions’ 2-Year Plan to Make Kelvin Sheppard Defensive Coordinator
The Detroit Lions were well aware that Kelvin Sheppard was on a fast track to becoming a defensive coordinator. In preparation, the organization started laying the groundwork for his eventual rise even before it officially happened.
Sheppard, who was just an outside linebackers coach a few short years ago, is now in the role of defensive coordinator. His rapid ascent speaks volumes about his potential, and he is quick to remind others that despite his relative youth in coaching, his football knowledge runs deep. Sheppard explains: “I’ve been doing this since I was five years old. So if you say my age, I think that’s a blessing because I can do this another 30 years. But if you’re talking about just my experience, I think I’m just as knowledgeable as anybody that’s 60 or 70 years old.”
The Lions’ coaching staff, including Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn, saw Sheppard’s potential early. Over the last two years, Campbell pushed him into more significant roles, like game-planning for first- and second-down situations, a major responsibility Sheppard took on as part of his preparation for the role.
Campbell credits Sheppard’s quick development, saying: “About two years ago, I just felt like, ‘Man, this guy will be ready to be a coordinator sooner than later.’”
Sheppard’s coaching journey wasn’t solely confined to the Lions’ organization. He’s also been learning from renowned NFL coaches like Lou Anarumo, Chuck Pagano, and Steve Spagnuolo, while also receiving invaluable insight from other Lions’ defensive coaches with former coordinator experience, such as Jim O’Neil and Kacy Rodgers.
Despite the heavy load, Sheppard is adjusting well to the demands of play-calling, a responsibility he did not officially hold under Glenn. Over the last year, he practiced calling games on his own, even involving his players to give them a taste of how it would feel on game day.
While Sheppard acknowledges how rare it is for someone his age to take on such a critical role, he’s also aware of the hard work and preparation it took to get there. He credits much of his growth to the mentorship from Campbell and Glenn, stating: “I owe everything to Dan.”
As Sheppard prepares to lead Detroit’s defense, his trajectory from player to position coach to defensive coordinator reflects not just his ambition, but also the Lions’ commitment to fostering internal talent.
This is just the beginning of what could be an exciting defensive future for Detroit.
How the Lions Are Positioning Kelvin Sheppard for a DC Role in 2 Years
