New Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard appears to be the precise kind of coach you would anticipate being part of Dan Campbell’s team in Detroit.
Promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator following Aaron Glenn’s exit to New York, Sheppard shared with Dan Miller of FOX 2 Detroit that his primary defensive philosophy is for players to play “together and for one another.”
“Thus, that unity and numerous aspects stem from it.” “Unyielding determination—unquestionable,” Shepard stated. “Those are the things I express: the coaches are not promoting effort.” You’ll be noticeable if you’re lenient on this defense. And then simply vicious, relentless, completing, digging, grabbing, striving for each blade of grass that’s available. I believe that if we can accomplish those tasks, everything else—note that I didn’t mention a single statistic. I didn’t mention a single award. If you concentrate on doing all those tasks, the broader aspects will naturally follow. However, in my view, that will represent the essence of our identity as a group.
After an eight-year career in the NFL as a linebacker, Sheppard began his first coaching position under Campbell in 2021. In five years, he has moved from outside linebackers coach to linebackers coach, and now to defensive coordinator. It’s a rapid rise, particularly for an aide without any play-calling background.
Sheppard feels that the experience of his defensive staff — featuring new defensive line coach/run game coordinator Kacy Rodgers, who has held previous DC positions — will assist him in developing in the role.
The 37-year-old stated that although he has linebacker experience, he wants everything on his defense to originate from the front line.
“All your defensive actions begin with the front,” Sheppard stated. “Simply observe the last participants in the championship match.” And all are aware. This isn’t like I’m sharing a secret. It begins with the trenches in both the running and passing game. Everyone is very focused on passing these days, but if you genuinely observe these matches, many players are returning to the fundamentals of football, which is toughness in the line. You should possess that. It begins there. I often state, ‘You must deserve the opportunity to pressure the quarterback.’ It’s irrelevant if you can disengage from the ball and play this esteemed DPR, pass-rushing role if you don’t secure the opportunity to reach those pass-rushing situations. Thus, ensuring we achieve that ideal balance in players who can handle both the run and the pass, and making certain they fit with our identity, as that takes precedence over everything else.
Injuries plagued the Lions in 2024, and this offseason’s focus should be on strengthening that D-line to add more power and depth behind Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill upon their return to health.