Dan Campbell and the Lions didn't have to look far for their new defensive coordinator.
Linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard is being promoted to the position vacated by Aaron Glenn, who left after four years with the Lions to take the Jets head coaching job.
Sheppard was one of Campbell's first hires in Detroit. They first overlapped when Sheppard played for the Dolphins in 2015 and Campbell was the team's tight ends coach and eventual interim head coach. Sheppard, 37, also spent the last season of his playing career with the Lions in 2018.
The Lions' linebackers room has turned into a strength under Sheppard, who has overseen the growth of draft picks Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez and helped Alex Anzalone take his game to a new level. His players speak highly of his football acumen and communication skills.
In a joint move, the Lions are reportedly promoting Shaun Dion Hamilton to linebackers coach after he spent the last two seasons under Sheppard as assistant linebackers coach. The 29-year-old also spent the final season of his playing career with the Lions in 2021, Campbell's first season in Detroit.