Updated Jan. 15, 2026, 10:46 a.m. ET
A third team has reportedly taken a step towards speaking with Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, the Pittsburgh Steelers have requested to interview Evero for their opening at head coach. This would mark the third known organization that has expressed such interest in the Carolina play-caller, with the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders also in the mix.
Pittsburgh will be looking to hire just their fourth different head coach since 1969. The coveted position became vacant on Tuesday—when Mike Tomlin, who led the Steelers from 2007 to 2025, resigned from the job.
Evero reached an extension with the Panthers prior to the 2025 campaign and is slated to enter his fourth season in Carolina.
President of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan explained why the organization, even after a historically bad 2024 showing, extended Evero.
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“If you look at EJ, if you’re around him every day—you see the way he works, how smart he is,” Morgan told reporters on Tuesday. “I believe in his defense, I believe in his philosophy. He’s really good at developing players.”
This past season, the Panthers defense allowed 327.2 total yards per game (16th) and 22.4 points per game (15th).
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