Kelvin Sheppard, Lions DC, to interview for Dolphins coaching job

The Detroit Lions are looking for one new coordinator, and another is getting an interview for a head coaching job.

The Miami Dolphins have requested permission to interview Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard for their vacant coaching position, ESPN and NFL Network reported.

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Sheppard, who finished his first season as Lions defensive coordinator, played linebacker for the Dolphins in 2014-15.

THE HUNT FOR AN OC: Mike McDaniel will interview for Lions' OC job as other options emerge

The Dolphins fired Mike McDaniel last week after four seasons as coach. The Lions are one of several teams interested in interviewing him for a job.

McDaniel reportedly will interview for top jobs with four teams: The Browns, Falcons, Titans and Ravens. The Lions are considering hiring him as offensive coordinator after firing John Morton last week.

Sheppard, 38, spent four seasons as Lions linebackers coach before he was promoted to DC last winter.

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He’s considered a strong leader and a potential future head coach, though it may be premature to land a top job.

This season, the Lions finished 18th in total defense – including 14th against the run – and allowed 24.3 points per game, but the unit fell off down the stretch as the Lions lost three of their final four games to miss the playoffs.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Kelvin Sheppard, Detroit Lions DC, to interview with Dolphins