CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero’s near-future remains secure.
Flushed with a quiet 2-year contract extension at the beginning of the season, tying him with coach Dave Canales through the 2027 campaign, Evero is no longer rumored to be a strong NFL head coaching candidate.
He’s becoming a hot candidate.
The Las Vegas Raiders, with minority owner Tom Brady actively involved, secured a second, in-person interview with Evero. The Raiders on Monday will be in South Florida to scout Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza as a possible No. 1 overall draft pick next April. The sides are expected to meet Tuesday, a day after the CFP National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
The 43-year-old Evero spoke with Raiders officials virtually last week. Apparently, they heard enough to schedule a widely reported follow-up conversation. The Pittsburgh Steelers are in line for a sit-down with Evero next week, and the Atlanta Falcons submitted an interview request with the 2021 Super Bowl-champion assistant coach with the Los Angeles Rams.
If nothing else, he can return to the Panthers for the next two seasons. Or at least the next head-coach hiring cycle.
“Love the way that he’s (helped) this group play quality football together,” Canales said. “He’s got my full support. And love our scheme, love what we do there.
Is it time for #Panthers DC Ejiro Evero to join #NFL’s head coaching ranks? … pic.twitter.com/9eZKEXtjFd
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 17, 2026
Is Carolina Panthers DC Ejiro Evero A Hot Prospect?
With the Panthers the past three seasons, Evero commanded a defensive corps that overperformed during a 2-15 season in 2023. He patched up a MASH unit in ‘24 that allowed historically poor scoring (534 points). He also guided a developing outfit that did enough to help the Panthers (8-9) capture the NFC South title last season.
Despite roster challenges with the Panthers, Evero’s 3-4 base scheme continues to be endorsed by Canales.
“I have complete trust in Ejiro,” said Canales, who is also under contract for two more seasons.
General manager Dan Morgan said Tuesday during his end-of-season press conference that maintaining Evero was a top priority for the rebuilding franchise, which earned its first division title since 2015.
“If you look at EJ, if you’re around him every day, you see the way he works, how smart he is,” Morgan said. “I believe in his defense, I believe in his philosophy. He’s really good at developing players.
“Again, it’s my job as well to put him with the right personnel.”
The Panthers’ defense yielded a league-high 404.5 yards and 31.4 points per game in 2024. Last season, it ranked No. 15 in points per game (22.4) and No. 16 in total yards allowed (327.2).
“Getting our guys to play together when we execute this scheme, it’s really difficult to play against,” Canales said. “And the guys have found a way to play together, communicate together.”
#Panthers can depend on employing one of #NFL’s top CB duos in 2026? … pic.twitter.com/yhIwc3tdo9
— Jeff Hawkins (@WriterHawkins) January 17, 2026
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