Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard on the sideline during the first half against Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.
When the Detroit Lions lost former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to the New York Jets, they opted to look internally, replacing him with former linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard.
The early returns were not great, as Sheppard’s defense ranked 22nd in points per game in 2025 and 18th in yards per game. Somehow, things have only gotten worse through four weeks of the 2026 season.
Sheppard’s unit hasn’t just been bad. It’s been historically bad. The Lions rank dead last in yards per game allowed by more than 30 yards. They rank 31st in points per game, just narrowly ahead of the New Orleans Saints, and the advanced metrics are somehow worse.
Detroit ranks last in the league in Defense-adjusted Value Over Average. The Lions rank last in Expected Points Added. They’re allowing third-down conversions at an historic 54.9 percent rate, and have allowed 113 first downs to opponents, 17 more than the next worst team.
And yet, despite all of that, Sheppard doesn’t seem to see an issue!
“I think that’s ultra disrespectful to my unit to say someone has to carry us,”
Lions Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard responded to a question about the perception that the offense will have to carry the team with the defense ranking last in the NFL https://t.co/N82kIXyvgB
— Alex Crescenti (@alex_crescenti) October 8, 2026
Detroit Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard Is In Complete Denial
During Thursday’s media availability, Sheppard was asked whether the Lions’ very good offense might need to carry the defense to victories this year.
That didn’t sit well with him.
“We have a three-phase team here, and I firmly believe that,” he said. “And I’m gonna stand strong in that belief. I think that’s ultra disrespectful to my unit to say someone has to carry us. We’re going to do our one-third here, hell or high water.”
Unfortunately for Sheppard, that’s objectively untrue. His unit is, extremely measurably, not doing its one-third! And he doesn’t plan on making any changes to fix it either.
“Absolutely not. I’m standing firm in my beliefs; I know my beliefs, and so does this unit. … We have a certain way we said we’re going to play,” he stated firmly.
Sheppard also staunchly defended his play calling against the Carolina Panthers, who had 32 points, 28 first downs, and 445 total yards in a 32-26 victory over Detroit in Week 4.
There is something to be said for a coach believing in his process. But at some point, you either adapt or die. It sure seems like Sheppard is choosing the latter option, and is doing so in an extremely brazen fashion.