Allen Park — Kelvin Sheppard didn't have immediate interest of going into coaching after his eight-year NFL career came to a close, but several months into retirement, he got the itch.
As he navigated opportunities at Vanderbilt and LSU, Sheppard called former coach and friend Dan Campbell for counsel. Acknowledging long-term goals to reach the highest levels of the professional, Sheppard revealed he thought it might be best to cut the trademark dreadlocks he had sported through college and his NFL career.
For Sheppard, perception is reality. Black coaches long have struggled to earn an equitable share of head-coaching opportunities, but among those who have been able to break through the glass ceiling over the years, none had long hair or tattoos.