Detroit Lions fans had mixed feelings when the team elevated linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to the defensive coordinator vacancy left by Aaron Glenn.
Despite falling short of their Super Bowl expectations, the Lions' recent glow led to their coaching staff being target prospects for other teams. As a result, Glenn took the head coaching job of the New York Jets.
Offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, got his head coaching job with the Chicago Bears.
The Lions hired for their pride and elevated the eight-year NFL veteran, earning his first DC job in his third season under head coach Dan Campbell.
However, fans varied in levels of confidence in his promotion.
'He's a good linebacker coach who isn't happy about having a 1st time DC with the same schedule in a Super Bowl window but [shoulder shrug emoji]one fan wrote.
Lions fans are split after the team elevated LB coach Kelvin Sheppard to replace Aaron Glenn
Glenn left the Lions defensive coordinator open after taking the Jets Head Coaching job
“Please don't suck and I hope to God he can make adjustments,” wrote another.
“He knows and loves the players and coach Glenn and Dan trained him for this,” a third suggested. “Shep is good with a good supporting cast.”
While many were collectively hopeful despite their skepticism, other fans sang loudly in their support.
'I love it. Our linebackers have been so underrated the last few years, can't wait to see what he does for the entire defense,” a fourth exclaimed. 'Well deserved!'
“Massive W in a week of unprecedented Ls,” said a fifth.
A sixth described the promotion as a 'great move'.
Dan Campbell and Co. led the Lions to a 15-2 season before losing to Washington in the playoffs
“He's the reason our LBS are so good, he knows how to light a fire in a group and get the best out of it. He will definitely be a future HC,” the user added.
A former linebacker, Sheppard was selected by Buffalo in the third round of the 2011 NFL draft. After a brief stint with the Bills, he played for the Colts, Dolphins, Giants, Bears and Lions.
The former LSU star recorded 429 tackles and 3.0 sacks in his NFL career before retiring in 2018.
Detroit's defense was a big factor in their 15-2 finish this past season. Unfortunately, their season was cut short when they fell to the Commanders in the divisional playoffs.
