Kelvin Sheppard Rising: Lions Linebackers Coach Poised for Bigger Role
Over the past four seasons under Dan Campbell, Kelvin Sheppard has steadily climbed the coaching ranks for the Detroit Lions. Starting as an inside linebackers coach in 2021, Sheppard expanded his role to oversee the entire linebacking corps in 2022. This season, his responsibilities grew further, now including work with specialized edge rushers.
Coaching Through Challenges
With injuries impacting the Lions’ linebacking corps, Sheppard’s coaching abilities have been put to the test. On Wednesday, he credited his success to the support of his assistant coaches Shaun Dion Hamilton and Dave Corrao, as well as defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
“I’m not some damn rocket scientist, I’m a football coach,” Sheppard humbly stated. “But when you have guys, when I look to my right and I’ve got a guy like Shaun Dion Hamilton, who’s fully ready to run his own room as a linebacker coach… I look to my left and I’ve got Dave Corrao, who helps me with the edge guys. And then I look in front of me and I’ve got Aaron Glenn. I’m all good. And then, I look behind me and we’ve got the players we brought in here.”
Recognition and Responsibility
Sheppard’s growing responsibilities haven’t gone unnoticed by head coach Dan Campbell. During the 2023 minicamp, Campbell highlighted Sheppard’s ability to take on more.
“Well, he’s earned that. He’s earned that,” Campbell said. “I feel like Shep, the more we put on Shep, the more he answers the call. And he’s developing as a coach. We see growth – no different than the players; you want to see growth from your coaches. And so, AG [Aaron Glenn] and I talked, and we felt like it was time to put more on him, especially this year.”
Defensive Coordinator in Waiting
With Aaron Glenn poised to be a top head coaching candidate in the 2025 hiring cycle, Sheppard is emerging as a prime candidate to become the Lions’ next defensive coordinator. Alternatively, Glenn could take Sheppard with him as a defensive coordinator elsewhere.
When asked if he’s ready for a promotion, Sheppard was direct. “Yes. I would be lying to you saying no. Absolutely,” Sheppard said. He praised the Lions’ organizational structure for preparing both players and coaches for leadership roles.
“I’m very appreciative of the way Dan, Brad, and A.G. have structured this thing to put you in leadership roles within your own right, within your room,” Sheppard said. “As many times as A.G. allows me to speak in front of the entire defense, they don’t have to do those things. I know from talking to friends in other buildings that they are not afforded those opportunities, so I don’t take them lightly.”
Under-the-Radar Talent
While Ben Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator, and Glenn have received national attention, Sheppard’s rise remains relatively low-profile. That could change soon as his leadership continues to shine and his next opportunity looms on the horizon.
Campbell’s knack for building a stellar coaching staff has once again paid dividends, with Sheppard positioned as a key figure in the Lions’ bright future.
