A 2011 third-round pick out of LSU, Sheppard spent nearly a decade in the NFL. A few years after his retirement, he joined Detroit’s coaching staff as their outside linebackers coach. After a year in that role, Sheppard transitioned to inside linebackers coach, a title he’s held for the past three seasons.
The coach has earned praise for helping revive the careers of veterans (like Alex Anzalone) and helping guide young draft picks (like Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez). Per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, Sheppard has a “sterling” reputation not only in Detroit but around the NFL, so while Sheppard’s familiarity with the team proved an asset in the hiring process, his promotion was not solely a result of his Lions connection. The team hired him before he was even offered an opportunity to interview anywhere else.
The only reported competition for the role was the Buccaneers inside linebackers coach, Larry Foote. The former Steelers linebacker, who spent a year each with the Lions and Cardinals as a player, had reportedly interviewed for the position, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, after it was announced that an interview was expected two days ago. Luckily for Tampa Bay, this means the Bucs may yet hold on to their linebackers coach as he has not interviewed elsewhere.
With Glenn’s replacement officially in place, the Lions can now shift their focus to the offensive coordinator role. Though Ben Johnson was hired as the Bears head coach the day before Glenn, no prospects have yet emerged to replace him as the offensive play-caller in Detroit.