5 options to replace Kelvin Sheppard as Lions' DC if Dan Campbell pulls the plug

With the playoffs officially not in play after a Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell has promised a look at everything in the effort to put things back on course in 2026 and beyond.

One change that is absolutely coming for the Lions is at offensive coordinator. Campbell took play-calling away from John Morton in the middle of the season, and that is an undeniably pre-cursor to Morton being let go the day after the season is over. There's a small chance Morton is retained in a role similar to what he had on the Detroit staff in 2022, but a clean break is most likely.

There has been some talk about Kelvin Sheppard's status. Some have pointed to a drop-off from the Lions' defense coinciding with Campbell taking over the offensive play-calling and thus paying less attention to his first-year defensive coordinator. If nothing else, that is why Campbell has to bring in an experienced offensive coordinator.

During his weekly appearance on 97.1 The Ticket heading toward the regular seaon finale, Campbell talked about Sheppard.

"I like Shep. Shep has really grown this year,” Campbell said. “I think with any first-time coordinator, first-time coach, you go through a lot. You learn along the way. You make adjustments. You find things that you believe in. You throw other things to the side that don’t fit you. You find ways to adjust, and it’s just part of the process."

“I think Shep’s done a damn good job. There’s always going to be things that you learn from this job, but I like Shep.”

When asked if Sheppard's job is safe, Campbell did not give a definite answer.

"I’m not anywhere yet. I’ve got one game left here,” Campbell said. “I’m not about to start going through what I’m going to do here or there. I’m not."

While it would be surprising to see Sheppard demoted (back to linebackers coach?), or far less likely fired by Campbell, nothing should be completely out of the question based on how this season has gone. Running things back as-is, or going back to the internal well for coordinator hires without exploring other options to the fullest possible extent, will not suffice.

If Campbell makes the move to replace Sheppard, and it's a massive 'if' despite his vague answer about Sheppard's job status this week, here are some candidates to be the Lions' new defensive coordinator.

5 candidates to replace Kelvin Sheppard as Lions' defensive coordinator if Dan Campbell pulls the plug

5. Kacy Rodgers, Lions defensive line coach/run game coordinator

Rodgers is an internal candidate to replace Sheppard, but his one year on the staff in Detroit is preceded by 30-plus years of coaching experience, mostly as a defensive line coach. Al-Quadin Muhammad's emergence this season opposite Aidan Hutchinson, inconsistent as he was, can be credited to Rodgers.

Rodgers' only experience as a defensive coordinator has been four seasons with the New York Jets (2015-2018). The Jets had a good run defense for a couple years of that stretch, but as the overall talent level of the unit deteriorated so did the results. Then-head coach Todd Bowles' influence over the defense is of note as well, for better or worse.

If Campbell wants to replace Sheppard, some internal candidates could be interviewed. Rodgers might lead a list that could include defensive backs coach Deshea Townsend, safeties coach Jim O'Neil and outside linebackers coach David Corrao.

4. Wink Martindale, University of Michigan defensive coordinator (for now)

As of this writing, Martindale is likely coaching his final game as defensive coordinator at Michigan. New head coach Kyle Whittingham will surely hire an entirely new staff after the Citrus Bowl, and Martindale will be available to whoever may want him.

Martindale's acumen as a defensive mind is unquestioned. But his last two NFL stops, with the Baltimore Ravens and the New York Giants, ended with a "parting of ways" amid rumored friction with head coaches John Harbaugh and Brian Daboll.

To put a finer point on it, the 62-year old Martindale's old school style is not for everyone. But that doesn't seem like something that would scare Campbell away, does it?

Martindale lands as a potential option to replace Sheppard if Campbell goes that direction. Shy of that. remaining in Michigan as a Senior Defensive Assistant for the Lions wouldn't necessarily be out of the question.

3. Charlie Bullen, Giants' interim defensive coordinator

Giants' interim head coach Mike Kafka fired Shane Bowen and promoted Bullen from outside linebackers coach to defensive coordinator after a 2-10 start to the season.

In four games (entering Week 18) with Bullen calling the shots, here's what Big Blue's defense has done (h/t to Locked on Giants).

• Yards/game: 301.5 (11th in the league)
• Rushing Yards/game: 110.3 (10th)
• Passing Yards/game: 191.3 (12th)
• Sacks/Attempt: 12.6% (3rd)
• 3rd Down coversion rate: 38.8% (16th)
• Red Zone Efficiency. 36.4.0% (5th)
• Goal-to-go Efficiency: 40% (2nd)
• Total Points Allowed: 88 (8th)
• Points/game: 22.0 (12th)

To be fair, the Giants' most recent two games heading into Week 18 came against the low-end offenses of the Minnesota Vikings and Las Vegas Raiders. But Bullen has also done a better job putting rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter in position to succeed.

If Kafka is retained as the Giants' permanent head coach, it goes without saying he will want to retain Bullen as his defensive coordinator. But if sweeping changes happen, the 41-year old Bullen will available to any suitors he wants to entertain. In that circumstance, and if Sheppard is being replaced, Campbell should have no hesitation to consider a first-time (permanent) defensive coordinator again.

2. Al Harris, Bears defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator

The idea Campbell might look to his former offensive coordinator's coaching staff for a new offensive coordinator is in play, but why should he stop there? Harris, of course in his first season as the Chicago Bears' defensive backs coach under Ben Johnson, is in line to get looks for defensive coordinator jobs after the season.

READ MORE: Lions get the star treatment for Week 18 against Bears (but not because of them)

As the Lions try to figure out the entirety of their cornerback situation, Harris would be a valuable mentor/teacher to Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. If he's re-signed, Amik Robertson's playing style would clearly match well with the ball-hawking style Harris teaches.

If he wants to entertain those opportunities, there will be plenty of competition for Harris' services as existing head coaches make a defensive coordinator change and new head coachings hire their fresh staffs for 2026. If a move with Sheppard is made, the Lions should be on that list of suitors.

1. Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator

Flores is a genuine wildcard right now, with a return to the Vikings under a new contract, getting a second shot at being a head coach and taking a defensive coordinator job elsewhere all seemingly in play. If he doesn't get a head coaching job, and the Vikings don't act quickly to bring him back, the market for other defensive coordinator gigs will be his oyster.

As Campbell promises a look at "everything" after a disappointing season, extending beyond familiarity to bring in some fresh perspectives should be a part of that process. Flores would be that to a degree no other defensive coordinator option would be, and Mike Valenti of 97.1 The Ticket was on to something when he endorsed making Flores an offer to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the leaugue.

The percentage chance Flores ends up with the Lions in 2026 seems inexplicably low. But if Campbell is going to go another direction at defensive coordinator, the list of candidates has to start with the clear-cut best available option all the way up until he is no longer available.