The Detroit Lions had a pair of big coaching changes this offseason, losing both coordinators to head coaching roles. While most focus has been cast on the offense, the defense will also need to adjust.
Kelvin Sheppard has taken over as defensive coordinator, and that change has excited several players. Having gotten to know Sheppard well as a position coach, the adjustment won't be steep for most, especially the linebackers on the roster.
Jack Campbell has become close with Sheppard, and he was happy to see the former linebackers coach ascend to coordinator this offseason given the strong connection the pair already enjoys.
"Coach (Dan) Campbell does a great job, he kept a lot of stuff in house and I feel like that's what he believes in. Whatever he says goes, and that's the identity and culture he's built here. It's up to the players to go out and do it. I think it starts with (Kelvin) Sheppard. It's been good for me coming in having to work with him so closely to now have him as the coordinator. I feel like it just allows me to know what he's going to be thinking going into a game week, so I'm really excited about that."
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The advantage of having Campbell know what Sheppard is thinking could prove huge. Linebackers are the heart of a defense, and having everyone on the same page is going to be a goal of the new coordinator, especially as some of his unique wrinkles come into play.
"There's a few changes and there's some things I'm really excited about and I think the back end's excited about and the guys up front are excited about. It's going to be good. You got to learn little nuances within the call, that's a little bit different than what coach (Aaron) Glenn did. I'm just excited to see what happens and we got the right guys in the room."
The Lions have beefed up the defensive backfield, will enjoy the healthy return of Aidan Hutchinson and have added other pieces up front like Tyleik Williams. By gaining health and keeping Sheppard, Campbell believes they will remain on track in 2025.
Jack Campbell looks forward to steadily improving in 2025
In terms of Campbell's game, the linebacker took a leap in 2024. Last season, he enjoyed career-high numbers in terms of tackles (131), passes defended (5) and forced fumbles (1), highlighting the overall impact he can make.
Moving forward, Campbell wants to maintain that stable track by keeping himself consistent in all his preparation.
"I just need to continue to improve. I'm going to give you a vague answer (about how), but just sticking to who I am. Sticking to (that) when things don't go right. When things do go right, just sticking to everything I do. Keeping the same routine, never too high (and) never too low. Being consistent. It's the same little mundane things. I feel like people don't really figure that out, but it's the little things you do over time (that) gets you to where you want to be."
Working with Sheppard has gotten Campbell to the point where he is confident about his game relative to experience he has gained. Now with the duo set to become the new faces of the defense, the sky is the limit for what they can accomplish together.
