What will defense be like under Sheppard?

LIONS ROUNDTABLE

Detroit Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard was promoted to defensive coordinator after Aaron Glenn this week, who filled the role since 2021, was named head coach of the New York Jets.

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By Vito Chirco and Christian Booher

si.com/nfl/lions

Staff writers from Detroit Lions OnSI take a look at a number of topics surrounding the already tumultuous offseason for the team, including the reported elevation of linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator, replacing the departed Aaron Glenn.

Here are their takes on five key questions:

1. What is your reaction to the Lions losing both coordinators?

• Christian Booher: Now that it’s happened, the aftermath is a little jarring but not surprising. I expected both to seriously consider options and ultimately depart, and now that it’s happened, the Lions are forced to fill in the gaps. Losing both is historically tough to overcome, and the Lions must get these hires right.

I’m somewhat surprised that Ben Johnson landed in Chicago after such strong buzz tying him to the Las Vegas Raiders, and Aaron Glenn seems like a perfect fit for the New York Jets. I’m eager to see how both situations pan out from afar.

• Vito Chirco: Simply, I think it was inevitable. Once your organization starts winning at the level that the Lions have the past few seasons, you’re bound to see assistants start to leave for bigger jobs with other teams. And this was especially going to be the case with Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, both of whom had flirted with head coach openings during past offseasons. Johnson and Glenn will each be hard to replace. However, I believe that Johnson will be tougher to replace, due to the fact that he formed a tremendous rapport with Jared Goff and took the offense to historic heights during his time with the team.

2. How do you think Kelvin Sheppard will fare as the Lions’ new defensive coordinator?

• Booher: I think Sheppard was the guy all along. He had been working closely with Glenn in an effort to be mentored for the position, and Campbell seemed to be in on him from the beginning. Sheppard is someone who has thrived in his role, and is now ready for a bigger role.

I’ll be curious to see what new wrinkles and changes he brings with the promotion. Will the Lions continue to be man-coverage heavy? Does he elect to blitz less or more? The most exciting thing with the new hire will be seeing how Sheppard approaches the job with schematic decisions. From a leadership perspective, I think he’s more than ready.

• Chirco: As long as the defense stays healthy (or healthier than this past season), I think Sheppard will fare just fine. I know that’s easier said than done, especially after what the Lions endured on the injury front in 2024. However, I believe Detroit’s de