Detroit Lions DC Declared Rising NFL Head Coaching Candidate
It hasn't taken long for first-year Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard to garner national attention.
In his first season leading the Lions' defense, Sheppard has led his group to success amidst Detroit's 6-4 start. Additionally, he has made a strong impression with his natural leadership ability and expertise as a former player.
Those within the Lions' building have spoken highly of Sheppard's ability to coach dating back to his days as the team's linebackers coach. After holding that role for four seasons, he ascended into the coordinator role upon Aaron Glenn's departure.
Now, just one year into his tenure, Sheppard is being named in potential head coaching conversations. NFL insider Tom Pelissero listed Sheppard among his list of potential first-time head coach candidates, which is compiled through conversations with league sources.
"An eight-year NFL veteran as a linebacker, Sheppard finished his playing career in Detroit and rejoined the team on Dan Campbell's staff as outside linebackers coach in 2021," Pelissero wrote. "When Aaron Glenn got the Jets job last January, it was an easy decision to promote Sheppard, whose high-octane personality and understanding of the big picture immediately impressed in the bigger role."
An LSU graduate, Sheppard has also been speculated to be in the mix as a possible candidate for his alma mater's current coaching vacancy.
Under Sheppard's guidance, the Lions have enjoyed strong performances and an uptick in production from years past. In 2025, the team ranks 10th in points allowed, fifth in yards allowed and sixth in sacks.
Sheppard's leadership abilities also call to mind that of the Lions' current head coach, Dan Campbell. As a former player who played for seven teams, he has a wide array of experience that allows him to connect with players.
"Detroit's defense hasn't missed a beat, improving in many categories from 2024 with the return of star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson," Pelissero said. "Campbell believes Sheppard will be an outstanding head coach sooner than later. For any team seeking the next Dan Campbell, Sheppard fits the mold.
In Pelissero's list, the insider also noted coaches to watch in future years. Among those coaches were two current Detroit position coaches in tight ends coach Tyler Roehl and linebackers coach Shaun Dion Hamilton.
Hamilton took a step up this offense, being promoted from assistant linebackers coach to the leader of that room. Roehl, meanwhile, is a new addition to Detroit's staff who took over for departed tight ends coach Steve Heiden.
49ers Could Fetch Shocking Trade Return for Mac Jones From Vikings, Dolphins
San Francisco 49ers QB Mac Jones could fetch a strong trade package this offseason
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are developing quite the reputation a quarterback career revival specialists.
Two seasons ago, the team signed Sam Darnold to a one-year deal to backup Brock Purdy. The former No. 3 overall pick started one game and appeared in four more. He played well enough to earn the starting job the following season with the Minnesota Vikings.
Darnold had a career year, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with a 102.5 passer rating. He parlayed that into a massive $100 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
This season, he’s currently second in the NFL in completion percentage (70.2), seventh in passing yards (2,541) and passer rating (105), and 10th in touchdowns (17).
And now, it appears the 49ers have done the same for Mac Jones.
After being cast off from the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones has undergone a renaissance in San Francisco. Filling in for Purdy for most of the season, Jones has played like a Pro Bowler, going 5-3 as the starter.
He’s thrown for 2,151 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions with a career-high 97.4 passer rating. Most analysts believe because Jones’ performance, he’ll draw significant trade interest this offseason.
What Kind of Trade Package Could Mac Jones Fetch?
If the 49ers were to make Jones available this offseason, the assumption is enough teams would be interested that they’d have to at least consider a trade.
Jones is under contract next season for a modest $4.2 million, which could be appealing to a handful of teams.
But what kind of return could the team realistically get for the 27-year-old QB? Well, SI.com’s Albert Breer believes Jones could fetch a high enough draft pick that a deal might make enough sense for the 49ers to pull the trigger.
“Could the Niners get, say, a Day 2 pick in 2026 and maybe a conditional Day 3 pick in 2027 for Jones? It’s not out of the question,” Breer wrote.
Given his age, Jones may not be as appealing to teams like the Cleveland Browns or New York Jets. Both teams will have high draft picks and likely want to draft a young franchise QB. A cost-controlled rookie contract is likely more appealing to both franchises than paying Jones a starter’s salary.
Potential Landing Spots for Jones
GettyThe Arizona Cardinals have been named a team to watch regarding a Mac Jones trade
Should Jones be made available after the season, it’s believed several teams will be interested in acquiring him.
The list of QB-needy teams heading into the offseason is quite large. Jones could be in play for several teams including the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New Orleans Saints.
However, Breer believes there’s three teams to really keep an eye on.
“I’d look at teams such as the Vikings, Dolphins and Cardinals (the latter pending any potential coaching changes),” Breer wrote. “In the case of Minnesota, it’d be a way to bring in competition for J.J. McCarthy and provide a layer of insurance at an affordable rate for a loaded roster, should McCarthy not ascend through the rest of this season.
“In the case of the other two, Jones would be an affordable scheme fit that could help those teams detach from expensive quarterbacks who have one year left of heavy guarantees.”
