Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard has officially learned the outcome of his head coaching interview with the Miami Dolphins.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Dolphins are hiring former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their new head coach after he completed a second interview with the team earlier today. With Hafley landing the job, Sheppard has been beaten out for the position after emerging as one of Miami’s early interview candidates.
Sheppard, who has rapidly risen through the coaching ranks and earned widespread respect for his leadership and defensive acumen in Detroit, was viewed as a strong dark-horse contender. However, the Dolphins ultimately opted for Hafley, a proven defensive mind with prior head coaching experience at the college level and NFL coordinator success.
While the news closes the door on Sheppard’s first head coaching opportunity, it further cements his growing reputation around the league. It’s widely expected that Sheppard will continue to draw serious interest for future head coaching openings as the Lions’ defensive turnaround under Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes continues to earn national attention.
