Detroit Lions fans had mixed feelings as the team elevated linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to the defensive coordinator vacancy left by Aaron Glenn.
Despite not meeting their Super Bowl expectations, the Lions’ recent glow-up led to their coaching staff being target prospects for other teams. As a result, Glenn took the head coaching job with the New York Jets.
Offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, got his head coaching job with the Chicago Bears.
Hiring from their pride, the Lions elevated the eight-year NFL veteran, earning his first DC job in his third season under head coach Dan Campbell.
However, fans varied in levels of confidence in his promotion.
‘He’s a good linebacker coach not thrilled about having a 1st time dc with the same scheme in a Super Bowl window but [shoulder shrug emoji],’ one fan wrote.
The #Lions are promoting LBs coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator, filling the shoes of Aaron Glenn, per me and @MikeGarafolo.A quick rise for the eight-year NFL veteran, Sheppard earns a DC job in only his third season under Dan Campbell. pic.twitter.com/cM3m9ebqEc
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2025 
Lions fans are split after the team elevated LB coach Kelvin Sheppard to replace Aaron Glenn
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‘Please don’t suck and I hope to god he can make adjustments,’ another wrote.
‘He knows and loves the players and Coach Glenn and Dan been training him for this,’ suggested a third. ‘Shep gone be ok with a good supporting cast.’
While many were collectively hopeful despite their skepticism, other fans sang their support loudly.
‘Love it. Our linebackers have been so underrated the last couple years, can’t wait to see what he does for the entire defense,’ a fourth exclaimed. ‘Well deserved!’
‘Mᴀssive W in a week of unprecedented L’s,’ said a fifth.
A sixth described the promotion as a ‘great move.’
Dan Campbell and Co led the Lions to a 15-2 season before losing to Washington in the playoffs
‘He’s the reason our LBs are so good he knows how to light a fire into a group and get the best out of them. He’ll be a future HC for sure,’ the user added.
Sheppard, a former linebacker, was selected by Buffalo in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. After a short stint with the Bills, he played for the Colts, Dolphins, Giants, Bears, and Lions.
The former LSU star tallied 429 tackles and 3.0 sacks in his NFL career before retiring in 2018.
Detroit’s defense was a big factor in their 15-2 finish this past season. Unfortunately, their season was cut short when they fell to the Commanders in the divisional playoffs.
