The NFL coaching carousel continues spinning with the announcement that Lions’ defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn will be the New York Jets’ next head coach .
Dan Campbell’s New Dilemma – Finding the Lions’ Next Defensive Coordinator
On the heels of losing Glenn, the Lions lost defensive line coach Terrell Willams to the New England Patriots. Williams will be the defensive coordinator under new head coach Mike Vrabel. Credit Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell for the incredible success they achieved in Detroit that has made them the poster boys of the NFL. Now every other team in the league is looking to duplicate their results by modeling their organization after the Lions. It’s no wonder Lions coaches are in demand. But unfortunately, their departure leaves just one more hole in the Lions coaching staff that Holmes and Campbell are left to fill.
Internal Candidates Are the Best Options
Just as the best candidate for Ben Johnson’s replacement as offensive coordinator is likely to be found among the current Lions coaching staff, it’s equally true for Glenn’s replacement. Campbell indicated he intends to continue doing things the same way. Unlike with an external hire, an internal candidate would ensure the continuity of the existing system. Plus, a current staff member wouldn’t need to be trained on doing things the “Lions way.” In addition, the existing staff members have established personal relationships with the players and front office which would facilitate a smoother transition.
Top Candidates for Lions Defensive Coordinator
One of the front runners for the defensive coordinator position is the current linebackers coach, Kelvin Sheppard. A native of Stone Mountain, Georgia, Sheppard is in his fourth year with the Lions organization. Sheppard initially coached the outside linebackers group. A year later he was promoted to take over the entire linebackers unit.
Under Sheppard’s coaching, Alex Anzalone evolved into the premiere linebacking talent that he is today. Selected to the Pro Bowl as an alternate last year, Anzalone’s outstanding 2023 stats included three sacks, 129 total tackles with 85 solo, six pass defenses, and one fumble recovery. Following his devastating injury in Week 11, Anzalone missed the next six games. But fast-tracking his recovery, Anzalone made a triumphant return in Week 18 for the regular finale against the Minnesota Vikings. As a team captain, Anzalone’s presence elevated the performance of the entire unit. But he was also instrumental in the Lions’ victory with seven tackles, three solo, and one pass defense.
It’s to Sheppard’s credit that during the six games Anzalone missed, the Lions’ defense stepped up. They lost only one game to the Buffalo Bills during that period. The team held two other opponents to six points. The opposition scored 20 points or less in two other games. Second-year linebacker Jack Campbell was outstanding in Anzalone’s absence performing as an elite player and team leader. He assumed the communication duties, ensuring everyone on the field knew the play call from the sideline.
In addition to Anzalone and Campbell, Sheppard mentored second-year player Malcolm Rodriguez . Before “Rodrigo,” was lost for the season with an ACL injury in Week 13 , he was making a tremendous impact with 46 tackles, 23 solo, two sacks, and one pass defense. Sheppard’s expertise in working with young talent and bringing out their best speaks volumes to his capabilities to oversee the Lions’ defense. He would be a great choice for the Lions’ next DC.
Another Internal Candidate for Lions DC
Another individual who could become the next defensive coordinator is Cameron Davis. Currently, the Lions’ assistant defensive line coach, Davis is credited with Aidan Hutchinson’s incredible development. In 2022, Davis tutored Hutchinson as a rookie. That year Hutchinson was named the Pepsi Rookie of the Year with 9.5 sacks. In addition, Hutch’s fellow rookie teammate, linebacker James Houston had 8.0 sacks. The pair ranked first and second among all NFL rookies. Under Davis, that season, all Lions’ defensive rookies combined for 20.5 sacks, breaking an NFL record.
There’s no doubt that Davis has a promising future with the Lions and could be a solid choice to replace Glenn. Right now, Campbell and Holmes have their hands full trying to fill so many staffing vacancies at once. But fans shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that these two assembled a staff that is now the envy of the NFL. They did it before and they’ll do it again.
Main Image: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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