Lions head coach Dan Campbell elevated Kelvin Sheppard from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator this offseason, and he says he’s been very impressed with the early results.

Campbell noted the Lions appear “further along defensively” than on offense and praised Sheppard for getting full buy-in from both players and staff on his defensive approach.

“Everyone’s locking in on how Shep wants things done, and we’re in a pretty good rhythm right now,” Campbell said.

The Lions saw former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn depart after the season to become the Jets’ head coach—a major loss, given his impact in Detroit. But Sheppard, who worked under Glenn for all four of his seasons leading the defense, now steps in to fill that role. Campbell believes Sheppard is fully prepared for the challenge.