Mon Jan 27 19:30:00 UTC 2025: **Lions Promote Sheppard to Defensive Coordinator**
DETROIT – The Detroit Lions have promoted Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator, the team announced Saturday. Sheppard, 37, replaces Aaron Glenn, who accepted the head coaching position with the New York Jets.
Sheppard, who played eight seasons in the NFL before transitioning to coaching, has been with the Lions since 2021, initially as outside linebackers coach before taking over the entire linebackers unit. He is known for his ability to develop young talent.
The promotion comes after a highly successful season for the Lions, who achieved a franchise-record 15 wins before losing in the NFC Divisional Round. Head Coach Dan Campbell stated earlier this month that he would consider both internal and external candidates to fill the vacant defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator positions (Ben Johnson also left for a head coaching job). Ultimately, Campbell opted to promote from within, highlighting Sheppard’s qualifications and alignment with the team’s identity.
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