The Detroit Lions are promoting linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator, replacing Aaron Glenn, who left to become the New York Jets head coach, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

Sheppard, now in his eighth year as an NFL coach, will step into the role in his third season working alongside head coach Dan Campbell.

The 37-year-old former middle linebacker spent eight seasons in the NFL, beginning his professional career with the Buffalo Bills before playing for four other teams.

Sheppard finished his career with Detroit, playing one season in 2018. He appeared in seven games and recorded five tackles.

Prior to his retirement, Sheppard had a standout season with the Miami Dolphins in 2015, recording 105 total tackles, including 75 solo, 13 tackles for loss and two passes defended.

The former third-round pick out of LSU in 2011 had been favored for the promotion since Glenn’s departure last week.

After spending a few seasons learning under Glenn, Sheppard felt ready to step into the role at the conclusion of the season.

“Yes. I would be lying to you saying no. Absolutely, and that’s what happens here. It’s not just the players within in the building, but it’s the coaches as well,” Sheppard said when asked about running his own defense, per Sports Illustrated’s John Maakaron. “I’m very appreciative of the way Dan, Brad and A.G. have structured this thing to put you in leadership roles within your own right, within your room. As many times as A.G. allows me to speak in front of the entire defense, they don’t have to do those things. I have friends that coach in other buildings, and I know they are not afforded those opportunities, so I don’t take them lightly.”

Sheppard clearly has Glenn’s stamp of approval, having excelled as Detroit’s linebackers coach.

“He’s fiery, everything that you need as a linebacker coach, he’s that,” Glenn said, per Maakaron. “And there are certain coaches on the staff that I think have to be bulldogs and he’s one of those coaches at that position, along with D-line, O-line and running back. You have to be a fricking bulldog and he does a good job of that.”

Campbell and the No. 1-seeded Lions suffered a heartbreaking 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the NFC Divisional Round. However, with Sheppard taking over as defensive coordinator next season, the team will undoubtedly be in good hands.