Updated Feb. 1, 2026, 4:47 p.m. ET
A single decision may have stopped Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero from becoming an NFL head coach in 2026.
As first reported by NFL Network insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport on Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders are closing in on hiring Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their new head coach. Kubiak was believed to be sought after by both Las Vegas and the Arizona Cardinals, who held the only two remaining vacancies in the league entering the weekend.
Kubiak, seemingly, has picked the Raiders. His choice has left the Cardinals to reportedly pivot to Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur—per ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter.
But . . . what if Kubiak went the opposite way?
Well, according to ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, Evero was considered to be the Raiders’ No. 2 option behind Kubiak. Evero interviewed for the position twice, once virtually and once in person in South Florida two weeks ago.
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Evero also drew interest this offseason from the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now, as expected, Evero will stick on with Carolina for a fourth season. His contract, which was extended prior to the 2025 campaign, is slated to take him through 2027.
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