Lions' Kelvin Sheppard Talks LSU Rumors, Hasn't Been Contacted to Replace Brian Kelly

Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard revealed that he hasn't been contacted regarding LSU's current head coaching vacancy following Brian Kelly's dismissal, per MLive.com's Ben Raven.

"I can't be interested in something I have no idea about," Sheppard told reporters Thursday. "I'm interested in beating the Minnesota Vikings."

Sheppard played for LSU during his college career from 2007-10 and spent a year on the Tigers' coaching staff once his NFL playing days came to an end.

He eventually joined the Lions in 2021, serving as a linebackers coach in his first four years with the team before becoming Detroit's defensive coordinator for the 2025 season following the departure of Aaron Glenn.

The Lions have been sharp defensively in 2025, ranking No. 8 in the NFL by giving up a mere 300.0 total yards per game. They've found ways to consistently generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, as their 23 sacks are the fifth-most in the league.

Sheppard's defense has also been able to adapt and manage injuries. Detroit is coming off a 24-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, emerging victorious despite missing starting secondary members D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch.

▶️ Full Bucs-Lions Recap

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The short-handed Lions were still able to limit Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield to a mere 4.6 yards per attempt in the contest.

Sheppard is an intriguing possible choice for an LSU squad that struggled on both sides of the ball prior to Kelly's departure. The Tigers lost their final two games under Kelly, giving up 80 combined points in both contests.

LSU doesn't appear to have Sheppard on its current radar, though.