Report: Lions promoting LBs coach Sheppard to DC

The Detroit Lions are promoting linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to replace Aaron Glenn as their defensive coordinator, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

Sheppard has been a linebackers coach under Dan Campbell since 2021. He spent one year coaching outside linebackers before overseeing all linebackers in 2022.

Sheppard spent eight seasons in the NFL after being drafted in the third round out of LSU in 2011. His best season came in 2015 when he racked up 105 tackles in 16 games with the Miami Dolphins. He was also the director of player development at LSU in 2020.

The 37-year-old has helped develop Jack Campbell, who led the team in tackles this season after being selected in the first round of the 2023 draft.

Detroit's defense ranked seventh in EPA/play and eighth in success rate in 2024 under Glenn, according to Ben Baldwin's database. Glenn, 52, was the Lions' defensive coordinator for four seasons before taking the New York Jets head coaching job Wednesday.