Detroit Lions promote former LSU LB Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator

The Detroit Lions didn’t have to look far to replace defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn following his announcement this week as the New York Jets’ next head coach.

Former LSU linebacker and staffer Kelvin Sheppard will elevate into the position, multiple NFL insiders reported Saturday, after four seasons with the franchise coaching his old position group.

The three-year starter for the Tigers, including a 2010 All-SEC selection, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft and played eight seasons in the NFL with six different franchises, wrapping up with the Lions in 2018.

He served as LSU’s director of player development in 2020 before heading back to the NFL to begin his on-field coaching career.

Sheppard ranks No. 9 all-time in LSU history with 311 tackles, after back-to-back 100-tackle seasons to wrap up his college playing career.

He played 110 NFL games, including 65 starts, and compiled 440 tackles, including 284 solo stops and 25 tackles for loss, and participated in the 2013 and 2016 playoffs with the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants, respectively.

Sheppard has been a part of the Detroit staff since coach Dan Campbell’s first season in 2021, with the team improving its record, NFC Playoff seed and points allowed every season in that span.

The Lions allowed just 20.1 points per game this season, seventh-best in the league, and earned the top seed in the postseason and first-round bye.

The New York Jets and Chicago Bears hired away Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, respectively, to become their new head coaches.

Glenn had also been considered a notable candidate for the New Orleans Saints’ opening.

Detroit’s defensive roster this season included former LSU standouts Mekhi Wingo and Kwon Alexander, as well as former Thibodaux and Louisiana Tech star Amik Robertson.

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