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.
Steelers fans get real hope after top draft target shows exactly what they need
After a solid win against the Cincinnati Bengals this past Sunday, many might've missed some draft news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers. The franchise continues to spend considerable time scouting quarterbacks who may be available in the 2026 NFL Draft, but that isn’t the only position they’re evaluating.
Fans have demanded a solid second receiver on offense for years, and they might just get one.
Pittsburgh experienced a jam-packed weekend of football as the Steelers and the Pitt Panthers both played at home. Their shared venue, Acrisure Stadium, also welcomed College Gameday and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Many NFL scouts were in attendance, and two of them belonged to the Steelers, according to Alan Saunders of Pittsburgh Steelers Now.
This isn't the first time they have paid close attention to receivers; in fact, according to Saunders, they sent scouts around the country to witness several key prospects at the position. One name continues to stick out, and he put on a show against the Panthers on Saturday, and that's Malachi Fields. The Notre Dame receiver produced massive numbers that caught the eye of the Steelers.
Pittsburgh Steelers could target WR Malachi Fields in upcoming draft to upgrade offense
“When in doubt, throw it to Fields” seemed to be the game plan for the Fighting Irish when they faced Pitt this past Saturday. It was a good choice because the massive receiver showed his talents at an elite level. His playmaking ability was evident after producing 99 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Notre Dame's 37-15 victory over the Panthers. He was dominant throughout.
Fields is an intriguing target for the upcoming NFL Draft for the Steelers.
He is a massive target standing at 6'4 and weighing 223 pounds. He is a fifth-year senior after playing his first four campaigns with the University of Virginia. He created big plays there, but transferred to Notre Dame to give himself a shot at winning a title and produce bigger numbers against tough competition.
Right now, many talent evaluators envision the Notre Dame product landing between rounds two and four of the upcoming NFL Draft. He could provide a terrific option to pair on the outside with DK Metcalf next season. Having two massive receivers on offense would certainly help their cause.
The Steelers got a firsthand look at how dominant Fields can be, and you can bet they took note of that performance.
It will be interesting to see how the Steelers address the need at the receiver spot following the season. Their offense needs more firepower, and a prospect like Fields would be a terrific addition. Pittsburgh will target a quarterback early in the draft, but that doesn't mean they'll lose the opportunity to select a player like Fields. He could jump onto their offense tomorrow and produce.
