Updated Feb. 1, 2026, 4:47 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
A single decision may have stopped Carolina Panthers<\/a> defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero from becoming an NFL head coach in 2026.<\/p>\n As first reported by NFL Network insiders Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport on Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders<\/a> are closing in on hiring<\/a> Seattle Seahawks<\/a> offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak as their new head coach. Kubiak was believed to be sought after by both Las Vegas and the Arizona Cardinals<\/a>, who held the only two remaining vacancies in the league entering the weekend.<\/p>\n Kubiak, seemingly, has picked the Raiders. His choice has left the Cardinals to reportedly pivot<\/a> to Los Angeles Rams<\/a> offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur\u2014per ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter.<\/p>\n But . . . what if Kubiak went the opposite way?<\/p>\n Well, according to ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, Evero was considered<\/a> to be the Raiders’ No. 2 option behind Kubiak. Evero interviewed for the position twice, once virtually and once in person<\/a> in South Florida two weeks ago.<\/p>\n Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.<\/a><\/p>\n Evero also drew interest this offseason from the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers.<\/p>\n Now, as expected, Evero will stick on with Carolina for a fourth season. His contract, which was extended<\/a> prior to the 2025 campaign, is slated to take him through 2027.<\/p>\n