First off, it\u2019s important to not read too much into the fact that it\u2019s an in-person interview. While in some cases that may indicate an increased level of interest, it\u2019s worth noting that Sheppard has family in southern Florida and regularly spends his offseasons there. He also played for the Dolphins from 2014-15 in the prime of his career.<\/p>\n
That said, this is obviously a significant opportunity for Sheppard, who only began his coaching career in 2020 as a director of player development for LSU. Since then, he\u2019s been with the Lions organization, starting as outside linebackers coach (2021), then was promoted to linebackers coach (2022-24) before taking over for Aaron Glenn as the defensive coordinator last season. While the defense did take a step back this year under Sheppard, he has been largely praised by his players for his leadership and communication qualities, and Dan Campbell has complimented his ability to adjust and learn on the fly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think with any first-time coordinator, first-time coach, you go through a lot,\u201d Campbell said in December. \u201cYou learn along the way. You make adjustments. You find things that you believe in. You throw other things to the side that don\u2019t fit you. You find ways to adjust, and it\u2019s just part of the process. I think Shep\u2019s done a damn good job. There\u2019s always going to be things that you learn from this job, but I like Shep.\u201d<\/p>\n