Report: Kelvin Sheppard 'hot name' to land a DC role if Aaron Glenn leaves

Detroit Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard is a candidate to become a defensive coordinator next season. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, there is a high possibility that Sheppard would follow current Lions DC Aaron Glenn if the latter were to land a head coaching job.

Glenn interviewed to become the next coach of the New York Jets on Tuesday, and it was later reported that the team is working to finalize a deal with him. Sheppard has worked with Glenn for the past four seasons and it seems the pair would like to continue to remain on the same staff.

Both Sheppard and Glenn joined the Lions staff in 2021. Sheppard worked his first season in Detroit as an outside linebackers coach before switching to inside linebackers in 2022.

Prior to working in the NFL, Sheppard was also the director of player development for LSU, his alma mater, in 2020. He played linebacker for the Tigers from 2006-10 before going on to enjoy an eight-year career as a player in the NFL.

As 37, Kelvin Sheppard is still young in his coaching career and this would be a massive opportunity. He helped the Lions to rank tied for fifth in the league with 16 total interceptions in 2024.

If Glenn does get the job with the Jets and bring Sheppard with him, the pair would join a 5-12 finish this past season. New York ranked third in the league in yards allowed per play (5.0) and has plenty of talent to work with defensively.

Report: Chicago Bears to hire Lions OC Ben Johnson as head coach

If Glenn does indeed leave, it would mean that Detroit lost both of its coordinators this offseason.  The Chicago Bears, finalized a deal to hire Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next head coach, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Johnson became available after the Lions fell to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round. Detroit’s offense had an impressive evening, but they weren’t able to overcome a slew of turnovers, as the No. 1 seed fell on Saturday.

Still, the offensive guru was the most sought-after candidate in the NFL throughout this year’s coaching carousel. In the end, the Bears won out, as the chance to work with the impressive Williams ahead of his sophomore season was too much for Johnson to pass up.

On3’s Steve Samra contributed to this report.