By now, you have certainly heard the hype around Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn when it comes to him landing a head coaching gig during the upcoming offseason. If, and when Glenn decides to move on from the Lions, head coach Dan Campbell will be charged with finding a replacement. One candidate, who I have already predicted will be the Lions defensive coordinator in 2025, is current linebackers coach, Kelvin Sheppard.
Kelvin Sheppard Is Ready to Step Up to the Challenge
On Wednesday, Sheppard spoke to reporters and he was asked if he felt ready to replace Glenn if given the opportunity. “I would be lying to you to say no,” Sheppard said as quoted by Justin Rogers. “Absolutely. And that’s what happens here. It’s not just the players within the building (who are developing), but it’s the coaches, as well. I’m very appreciative of the way that Dan, (general manager) Brad (Holmes), AG have structured this thing to kind of put you in leadership roles within your own room. There are many times AG allows me to speak up in front of the defense and things like that. They don’t have to do those things.”
Appreciation for Opportunity
Sheppard expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Lions’ leadership. “I have friends that coach in other buildings, and I know that they’re not afforded those opportunities, so I don’t take them lightly,” Sheppard said. “Every day I step foot in this place, it’s an unbelievable opportunity to grow as a person, as a player, being able to watch how Dan operates. I had the ability to watch him operate, being in the locker room as a player down in Miami, and now as a coach, so on both ends of that spectrum. I can tell you I would rather not have the opportunity to learn from another man than him. And then schematically, the things that AG has done with the personnel these last four years, I mean, he’s (finally) just getting this kind of, I guess, recognition.”
For now, Glenn, Sheppard, and the rest of the Lions coaching staff are focused on the present. That present has the Lions sitting at 12-1, which is good enough for the best record in the NFL. The Lions are currently a solid favorite to win the Super Bowl, as they should be.
Sheppard’s readiness and enthusiasm to step into the defensive coordinator role, should Glenn move on, showcases the depth of talent and leadership within the Lions organization. As the team continues to chase its Super Bowl aspirations, the strong foundation laid by its coaching staff will undoubtedly play a crucial role in their ongoing success.
One Response
This just makes me sick to my stomach that of course the corny doc asked this trash question. But also the fact that fans think this would be a good idea for this guy to be the DC. Hey maybe pick an established guy like saleh who actually is proven and has led really good defenses. Over the position coach, 0 people know.