Exclusive 1-on-1 Interview with Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard
Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard sat down for an exclusive one-on-one interview with NFL Network’s Dannie Rogers to discuss the evolution of the team’s defense, his coaching philosophy, and the key players who will help lead the Lions’ defense into the 2025 season. With an eye toward building a more consistent and dominant defense, Sheppard opened up about his vision for the unit and what’s required for success in the upcoming season.
Dannie Rogers: Coach Sheppard, thanks for joining us today. You’ve had a year to work with this defense now. What are your main priorities as you look to continue improving the unit heading into the 2025 season?
Kelvin Sheppard: Thanks for having me, Dannie. It’s a pleasure to be here. My primary focus continues to be getting our defense to play as fast and as physical as possible while maintaining high mental discipline. Last year, we showed flashes of what we could be, but there were still some inconsistencies that we need to clean up. We’ve got a great group of guys, and my job is to make sure we’re playing together, reading the offense quickly, and getting after the ball. I really want to build on what we started and make sure we’re a consistent, playmaking defense. That means being aggressive but smart, creating turnovers, and ensuring that we’re tough on every down, not just on key third downs or in certain situations.
Dannie Rogers: You’ve got a lot of talent on this defense, especially on the defensive line. Players like Aidan Hutchinson are really starting to make a name for themselves. How are you looking to take that group to the next level in 2025?
Kelvin Sheppard: Aidan is a special player. His work ethic, drive, and ability to change the game are huge for us. The defensive line as a whole has been one of the bright spots, and it’s a position group that we rely on heavily to set the tone for the defense. Our goal with that group is to keep them fresh and versatile. We want them to be able to win in different ways, whether that’s with power or finesse. Aidan and the rest of the line can pressure the quarterback and stop the run, but we need them to be even more disruptive this season.
A big part of that is getting better with our pass-rush plan. It’s important that we stay fresh through rotations and give them the chance to be even more impactful. Aidan is a guy who can take over a game, and we’ll continue to focus on his ability to make those game-changing plays. Overall, it’s about depth and making sure we’re always applying pressure, keeping opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable, and making it easier for the linebackers and secondary to do their jobs.
Dannie Rogers: Moving on to the linebacker corps, you have some really exciting young talent in Malcolm Rodriguez and Jack Campbell. What’s your plan for developing them and making sure they continue to grow in this defense?
Kelvin Sheppard: Both Malcolm and Jack are key pieces to our defense, and I’ve been impressed with how quickly they’ve adapted to the NFL. With linebackers, it’s not just about physical ability; it’s about how well they can process the game and be in the right position. Malcolm is one of the smartest players I’ve had the chance to coach. He’s always in the right spot and understands the game at a level beyond most rookies. His instincts are off the charts, and we want to make sure he’s continuing to develop in terms of his physicality and ability to make plays in space.
Jack, on the other hand, is a physical specimen, and his ability to cover ground quickly is something we’re really working to harness. He’s already got the fundamentals down, but now it’s about making sure he’s reading offenses and reacting faster. We’re focusing a lot on his mental development, making sure that he’s able to adjust on the fly and recognize plays before they happen. Both of them are incredibly gifted, and I’m excited to see how they continue to grow in this defense.
Dannie Rogers: The secondary has shown promise, especially with players like Jeff Okudah and C.J. Gardner-Johnson coming in to provide leadership. How are you helping these guys build chemistry and execute at a higher level?
Kelvin Sheppard: The secondary has been a work in progress, but we’ve got some real playmakers back there. Jeff Okudah has come a long way, and I think he’s poised for a breakout year. His physical ability is unmatched, and we’re really focused on refining his technique and making sure he’s always in the right position to make a play. The more consistent Jeff is with his technique and his decision-making, the more dangerous he’ll be on the field.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson is a great addition to our secondary. He’s an experienced leader who can play multiple spots, and his energy is contagious. He’s a fiery competitor, and we want to use that to our advantage. His versatility in coverage and his ability to read the quarterback are invaluable, and we’re working to get him into positions where he can make big plays for us.
The key for us as a secondary is communication. We need to stay in sync, make sure that we’re all reading the same things, and that we’re making adjustments as the game progresses. There’s no room for confusion back there—when we’re all on the same page, it makes a huge difference. We’ll continue to emphasize the fundamentals of communication and making sure everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing in any given situation.
Dannie Rogers: One of the big focuses for the defense this year seems to be creating turnovers. How are you planning to make that a more consistent part of this unit?
Kelvin Sheppard: Turnovers are huge in this league, and it’s something we’re constantly focusing on. It’s not just about getting pressure on the quarterback; it’s about being in the right position to capitalize when those opportunities arise. We need to do a better job of forcing fumbles and making sure we’re always in position to get interceptions. That’s the focus this year—being more opportunistic and making the most of our chances.
We’ll continue to work on our ball skills in practice, making sure we’re stripping the ball when we’re tackling, and making sure we’re always ready to make a play in the air. We want to create chaos for the offense and be relentless with our pursuit. The more we focus on creating those turnovers, the more we’ll be able to control the game and flip momentum.
Dannie Rogers: As the defensive coordinator, you’re tasked with making in-game adjustments. How do you approach the challenge of adapting your defense in real-time?
Kelvin Sheppard: In-game adjustments are one of the most important parts of coaching at this level. We have a game plan coming into the week, but we also need to be able to adjust when the other team shows us something different. My job is to stay calm and communicate clearly with the players when things need to change. We’re always looking for ways to exploit the weaknesses we see, whether it’s through coverage adjustments, different blitz packages, or rotations on the line. It’s all about recognizing what’s working and being flexible enough to make changes when we need to.
I rely a lot on my assistant coaches and the staff to help with those adjustments. We work closely together, and everyone has a role in ensuring that we’re prepared for whatever the offense throws at us. We also make sure that the players are mentally prepared to adjust on the fly. Football is a game of adjustments, and the teams that do it best are the ones that come out on top.
Dannie Rogers: Coach Sheppard, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today. We’re excited to see what this defense can accomplish under your leadership.
Kelvin Sheppard: