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Ejiro Evero is the Panthers’ defensive coordinar since the 2023 season.
Given how brutal the Carolina Panthers’ defensive collapse was in 2024, the fact that Ejiro Evero even made it through the 2025 season felt almost unbelievable.
Carolina’s defense surrendered more points than any unit in NFL history in the 2024 season. Fast forward to the following season, and after some key offseason reinforcements, the unit showed real signs of life.
Despite the wave of criticism he faced after the Wild Card playoff game against the Los Angeles Rams, it had essentially already been decided that defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero would remain on the sidelines. He would continue in his role as the Panthers’ defensive coordinator for the next season.
Canales and Morgan Have Evero’s Back
GettyGeneral manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales are convinced of Ejiro Evero’s abilities.
Despite all the criticism, two of the most powerful figures in the North Carolina franchise are firmly backing Evero: head coach Dave Canales and general manager Dan Morgan.
“I have complete trust in Ejiro,” Canales said. “Love the way that he’s brought this group to play quality football together, and he’s got my full support.”
He added, “Love our scheme, love what we do there, and getting our guys to play together when we execute this scheme, it’s really difficult to play against, and the guys have found a way to play together, communicate together.”
The Athletic’s Joe Person wrote about Evero being back in 2026 on X (formerly Twitter), “Dave Canales says Ejiro Evero’s contract has been extended. Was originally set to expire after the ’25 season. Add Evero ‘absolutely’ will be back as defensive coordinator.”
But Evero has been a popular name in NFL circles, while he also had completed head-coaching interviews earlier this month.
While the Atlanta Falcons (2024) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (2026) had their sights set on Ejiro Evero as their possible next head coach, his name is now surfacing in connection with a completely different franchise: the Las Vegas Raiders.
Evero could still land a major opportunity out west.
Evero In Las Vegas?
Kubiak or Evero? That’s the big decision the Las Vegas Raiders now face. Evero has also already had two interviews with the Raiders. However, he hadn’t heard much from them since various insiders made it public that Webb and Kubiak were the two finalists.
With Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady and Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Daboll out of the running, the field has narrowed. That leaves just two candidates: Seattle Seahawks‘ offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Ejiro Evero.
Denver Broncos‘ quarterbacks coach Davis Webb withdrew as a candidate for Raiders coaching job on Thursday as he is up for promotion to Broncos offensive coordinator following the Joe Lombardi firing.
That’s why the tide might still be turning in Evero’s favor.
On Thursday, ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler hinted that Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has emerged as the favorite in the Las Vegas Raiders’ head-coaching search.
The Raiders plan to interview Seattle OC Klint Kubiak over the weekend and then make a decision on their head coach, per sources.
As one candidate predicted, “it’s probably (Kubiak’s) job to lose.”
Fowler, later in the day, reported that Evero would be “still in the mix” for Las Vegas.
Eyes on Klint Kubiak for the Raiders job, but Panthers DC Ejiro Evero is still in the mix there. Some candidates have been eliminated but he has not. He conveyed detailed QB/offensive plan in in-person meeting with Raiders. Raiders regime and Evero have Denver ties.
The only other comparable opening around the league is with the Arizona Cardinals, who have also shown interest in Kubiak.
Should that situation fall into place, it could clear the path for Evero to land another opportunity out west. One thing is clear: he would just be the fallback option.
Fabienne Lampe Fabienne Lampe is a German sports journalist, covering the NFL, College Football, NBA, and Formula 1 for Heavy Sports. Lampe has years of experience covering the NFL, especially the Atlanta Falcons as their sole German reporter. She has interviewed some of the biggest names in the NFL, including Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson. Lampe also hosts a Formula 1 podcast and works as a play-by-play announcer. More about Fabienne Lampe
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