The Detroit Lions’ defense has taken its fair share of heat down the stretch of the 2025 season, and with good reason. Over their last five games heading into Week 18, Detroit has surrendered 30.8 points per game, a steep regression from where things stood earlier in the year. Naturally, that’s led to growing speculation about the future of first-year defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.
On Tuesday morning, during his weekly appearance on 97.1 The Ticket, head coach Dan Campbell was asked directly about Sheppard’s performance and whether a change could be coming in 2026. Campbell didn’t hesitate to defend his young coordinator, while also taking accountability for the bigger picture.
“Shep’s Done a Damn Good Job”
Campbell began by praising Sheppard’s growth through what has clearly been a trial-by-fire season.
“I like Shep,” Campbell said. “Shep has really grown this year. I think with any first-year coordinator, first-time coach, you go through a lot… you make adjustments, you find things that you believe in, you throw other things to the side that don’t fit you. You find ways to adjust, and it’s just part of the process. I think Shep’s done a damn good job.”
Campbell acknowledged that mistakes and adjustments are simply part of stepping into a role as demanding as defensive coordinator.
“There’s always going to be things that you learn from this job, but, you know, I like Shep.”
That’s not exactly a surprise, Sheppard is one of Campbell’s most trusted locker-room voices, a former player who embodies much of the culture Campbell values. But results are results, and the defense’s late-season slide has made the situation impossible to ignore.
Campbell on DC Changes: “I’m Not There Yet”
When host Jim Costa pressed him on whether he plans to make a change after the season, Campbell pumped the brakes.
“Listen, I’m not anywhere yet,” Campbell said. “I got one game left here. I’m not about to start going through what I’m going to do here or there.”
Campbell admitted the thought of making a change at defensive and offensive coordinator has crossed his mind, but only briefly.
“Has my mind gone there… for a day or so, 24 hours? Yeah, you go through a lot in your head. But most of it is about yourself.”
And that’s where Campbell shifted gears, away from Sheppard, and toward accountability.
“The bottom line is I’m the one who has not done a good enough job here. That’s very evident. I have to figure out my own stuff here… What do I need to correct, and then I’ll start working through the other stuff later.”
In other words: before evaluating his staff, Campbell believes he needs to look in the mirror.
Reading Between the Lines
Campbell didn’t guarantee Sheppard will return, but he didn’t distance himself from him either.
His messaging sounded like:
- Sheppard is learning on the job
- Campbell values his leadership and growth
- Major decisions will wait until the offseason
- Campbell believes responsibility starts at the top
It’s also clear he isn’t interested in making an emotional decision following a disappointing stretch of games.
Whether that patience holds, or whether a philosophical reset is coming, remains to be seen.
Where Things Stand Heading Into 2026
The Lions defense has talent, but injuries, inconsistency, and schematic breakdowns have piled up late in the year. If Detroit wants to bounce back next season, that side of the ball will need serious evaluation, whether that means coaching adjustments, roster upgrades, or both.
For now, Campbell isn’t throwing Kelvin Sheppard under the bus.
But make no mistake, the pressure is on.
