The Detroit Lions have reached the next stage of the frenetic NFL offseason calendar: Hiring coaches.
And they have found their new defensive coordinator, promoting linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard on Saturday afternoon.
The Lions lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, now head coach of the Chicago Bears, and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the next New York Jets coach, and will spend the first part of the 2025 offseason looking for replacements. Head coach Dan Campbell is looking for his third offensive coordinator and his second defensive coordinator since taking over in January 2021.
The Lions have moved quickly to fill one vacancy on the assistant staff. A day after losing defensive line coach Terrell Williams to the New England Patriots as defensive coordinator, the Lions hired Kacy Rodgers to fill that role. Rodgers has spent the past six seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the defensive line coach, including the past three as the defensive run game coordinator.
ANALYSIS:Lions lost another coordinator. Don’t panic. This is Dan Campbell’s show
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But the coordinator positions remain vacant. Here’s a running list of verified reports of who is interviewing the Lions’ offensive and defensive coordinator positions.
Lions coordinator interview tracker, coaching staff updates
Jan. 25: Lions promote Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator
The Lions will promote linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator, the Free Press has confirmed. Sheppard played eight years in the NFL and earns the job previously held by Aaron Glenn. Sheppard, 37, was hired to the Lions in 2022.
“That’s a guy that I’ve been actually mentoring to be in the DC role at some point,” Glenn said in December. “And I think he’s damn near close if not ready to do that. And he’s a damn good coach.” —Marlowe Alter
Jan. 24: J.T. Barrett following Ben Johnson to Bears
Lions assistant quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett changed his Instagram bio to say he is the Bears’ new quarterbacks coach, following Chicago head coach Ben Johnson in migrating from Detroit. Barrett, the former Ohio State quarterback, joined the Lions as an offensive assistant in 2022. He is the fifth Lions assistant coach to depart this week. —Marlowe Alter
Jan. 24: Antwaan Randle El joining Ben Johnson with Bears
Ben Johnson is taking Antwaan Randle El with him to Chicago. The Bears are finalizing a deal to make Randle El, the Lions wide receivers coach, their new receivers coach/assistant head coach. He was part of Lions head coach Dan Campbell‘s initial staff in 2021 and has worked closely with wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. —Marlowe Alter
Jan. 24: OL coach Hank Fraley staying with Lions
Hank Fraley’s wife posted on Facebook “Year 8 loading” with a Lion emoji and the location from Allen Park, indicating the Lions will retain their offensive line coach. The Free Press confirmed Fraley is being promoted to run game coordinator/offensive line coach. He interviewed with the Seattle Seahawks for their offensive coordinator position and was a reported candidate to join Johnson in Chicago. —Jared Ramsey
Jan. 23: Lions to interview Larry Foote for defensive coordinator
The Free Press Lions’ writer, Dave Birkett, reported Thursday the Lions will interview Larry Foote on Friday for defensive coordinator. Foote, a Detroit native (Detroit Pershing) who played for Michigan as well as one season with the Lions in 2009, is currently linebackers coach and defensive pass game coordinator for Tampa Bay. He was on the staff that won Super Bowl 55 over Kansas City to conclude the 2020 season. —Jared Ramsey
Lions offensive coordinator candidates
Birkett also broke down five candidates for each vacancy and their potential fits with the Lions’ offense. Here are the names to watch at offensive coordinator. Updated with latest news.
- Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley.
- Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand.
- Lions assistant head coach and running backs coach Scottie Montgomery.
- Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon.
- Former Seattle Seahawks quarterbacks coach Greg Olson.
BEN JOHNSON REPLACEMENT:Why Tanner Engstrand is on the OC track
Lions defensive coordinator candidates
Here are the names to watch at defensive coordinator, along with how those options could potentially fit with the Lions’ defensive personnel. One option off the board is Rodgers, who has already agreed to become the Lions’ defensive line coach. Updated with latest news.
- Buccaneers linebackers coach Larry Foote.
- Lions linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard.
- Lions defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend.
- Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielson.
- Denver Broncos defensive backs coach Jim Leonhard.
Jared Ramsey is a sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Follow Jared on X @jared_ramsey22, and email him at jramsey@freepress.com.
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Detroit Lions Offensive and Defensive Coordinator Interview Tracker
As the Detroit Lions begin their search for a new offensive and defensive coordinator, we will be keeping track of all the candidates who are interviewed for the positions. Stay tuned for updates on potential hires and insight into the Lions’ coaching staff for the upcoming season.
Offensive Coordinator Candidates:
1. Eric Bieniemy – Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
2. Kellen Moore – Dallas Cowboys Offensive Coordinator
3. Anthony Lynn – Former Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach
4. Nathaniel Hackett – Green Bay Packers Offensive Coordinator
Defensive Coordinator Candidates:
1. Matt Patricia – Former Detroit Lions Head Coach
2. Raheem Morris – Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator
3. Kris Richard – Former Dallas Cowboys Defensive Backs Coach
4. Gus Bradley – Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Coordinator
Check back frequently for the latest updates on the Detroit Lions’ search for their new offensive and defensive coordinators. Who do you think would be the best fit for these crucial coaching positions? Let us know in the comments below. #OnePride
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