Ejiro Evero

2024 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker

After a crowded carousel previously stopped, the 49ers opened their defensive coordinator position. Here is how the NFC champions’ search looks:

Updated 3-2-24 (10:00am CT)

Offensive Coordinators

Atlanta Falcons (Out: Dave Ragone)

Buffalo Bills (Out: Ken Dorsey)

  • Joe Brady, interim offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Bills): Hired
  • Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed

Carolina Panthers (Out: Thomas Brown)

  • Marcus Brady, senior offensive assistant (Eagles): Interview requested
  • Brad Idzik, wide receivers coach (Buccaneers): Hired

Chicago Bears (Out: Luke Getsy)

Cincinnati Bengals (Out: Brian Callahan)

  • Andy Dickerson, offensive line coach (Seahawks): To interview
  • Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Promoted

Cleveland Browns (Out: Alex Van Pelt)

Las Vegas Raiders (Out: Mick Lombardi)

Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Kellen Moore)

New England Patriots (Out: Bill O’Brien)

New Orleans Saints (Out: Pete Carmichael)

Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Brian Johnson)

  • Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed
  • Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Interviewed 1/23
  • Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Hired

Pittsburgh Steelers (Out: Matt Canada)

Seattle Seahawks (Out: Shane Waldron)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Dave Canales)

Tennessee Titans (Out: Tim Kelly)

  • Nick Holz, passing game coordinator (Jaguars): Hired
  • Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed
  • Eric Studesville, associate head coach/running backs coach (Dolphins): Interview requested

Washington Commanders (Out: Eric Bieniemy)

  • Chip Kelly, former head coach (Eagles/49ers): On team’s radar
  • Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Hired

Defensive Coordinators

Atlanta Falcons (Out: Ryan Nielsen)

Baltimore Ravens (Out: Mike Macdonald)

  • Zach Orr, inside linebackers coach (Ravens): Promoted

Buffalo Bills

  • Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): Promoted
  • Mike Caldwell, former defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed
  • Sean Desai, former defensive coordinator (Eagles): To interview

Chicago Bears (Out: Alan Williams)

  • Joe Barry, former defensive coordinator (Packers): To interview 1/27
  • Chris Harris, secondary coach (Titans): To interview
  • Eric Washington, assistant head coach/defensive line coach (Bills): Hired
  • Terrell Williams, assistant head coach/defensive line coach (Titans): To interview

Dallas Cowboys (Out: Dan Quinn)

Green Bay Packers (Out: Joe Barry)

Jacksonville Jaguars (Out: Mike Caldwell)

Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Derrick Ansley)

  • Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Hired

Los Angeles Rams (Out: Raheem Morris)

Miami Dolphins (Out: Vic Fangio)

New England Patriots

  • DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach (Patriots): Promoted
  • Michael Hodges, linebackers coach (Saints): To interview
  • Tem Lukabu, outside linebackers coach (Panthers): To interview
  • Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed

New York Giants (Out: Don Martindale)

Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Sean Desai)

  • Mike Caldwell, former defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed
  • Vic Fangio, former defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Hired
  • Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed 1/22

San Francisco 49ers (Out: Steve Wilks)

  • Gerald Alexander, safeties coach (Raiders): Interviewed 3/1
  • Daniel Bullocks, defensive backs coach (49ers): Interviewed 2/28
  • David Merritt, defensive backs coach (Chiefs): To interview
  • Nick Sorensen, defensive passing game specialist (49ers): Promoted
  • Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed

Seattle Seahawks (Out: Clint Hurtt)

Tennessee Titans (Out: Shane Bowen)

  • Brandon Lynch, cornerbacks coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/30
  • Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): Hired

Washington Commanders (Out: Jack Del Rio)

  • Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Considered a candidate
  • Joe Whitt, defensive backs coach (Cowboys): Hired

Packers Notes: Coaching, Clements, Evero, Watson

Tom Clements is expected to be back in Green Bay next season. The long-time coach will continue being the quarterbacks coach on Matt LaFleur’s staff in 2024, per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

There was some speculation that the organization’s recent hiring of Sean Mannion could mean that the 70-year-old Clements would retire, but that isn’t the case. Per Silverstein, the Packers believe Clements will be a great mentor to Mannion, perhaps a hint that the recently-retired QB could eventually take over the role.

Over the past two years, Clements has overseen a major turnover at the position. After coaching Aaron Rodgers during his first season at the helm, Clements guided Jordan Love through the QB’s first season as a starter.

Clements has been coaching since the 1990s, serving as the QBs coach with the Saints, Chiefs, Steelers, Cardinals, and Packers. He had a two-year stint as the Bills offensive coordinator before catching on with the Packers in 2006. He spent more than a decade in Green Bay, eventually serving as offensive coordinator and later assistant head coach. He called it a career following a two-year stint in Arizona, but he was coaxed out of retirement in 2022 and returned to the Packers.

More news out of Green Bay…

  • With the Packers having settled on Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley as their new defensive coordinator, the rest of the defensive coaching staff is starting to take shape. According to Silverstein, Hafley will bring along BC defensive line coach Vince Oghobaase. Incumbent defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery isn’t expected to be back next season, although Silverstein adds that linebackers coach Jason Rebrovich is expected to pivot to defensive line coach in 2024, making Oghobaase’s role unknown. In addition to Montgomery, passing game coordinator Greg Williams and inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti won’t return to the Packers, per Silverstein.
  • The Packers are expected to hire former Dolphins linebackers coach Anthony Campanile, per Silverstein. Campanile is expected to be the team’s new run game coordinator, and the hiring was inspired by LaFleur‘s desire to transition to a 4-3 defensive scheme. Campanile has been a popular name this offseason; he interviewed for the Giants defensive coordinator job and was pursued by the Eagles to be their linebackers coach.
  • The Packers are also adding former Chargers defensive coordinator Derrick Ansley as their defensive pass-game coordinator, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Ansley had a long stint in the NCAA to begin his coaching career, culminating in him serving as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020. He joined the Chargers the following season, and after serving as their defensive backs coach for two years, he earned a promotion to DC in 2023.
  • Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is sticking in Carolina, but if he shook loose, the Packers would have had interest, according to Fowler. The feeling would have been mutual, as Evero would have had interest in the Green Bay DC job. We heard last week that the Packers also made an unsuccessful run at Zach Orr as their defensive coordinator.
  • A hamstring injury has forced Packers wide receiver Christian Watson to miss a handful of games through his first two seasons in the NFL, but the organization is working to remedy the lingering issue. LaFleur told reporters (including Silverstein) that the Packers have a “plan” to figure out why Watson’s hamstring continues to be an issue. The team intends to send the wideout to a specialist who should provide further guidance.

Panthers To Retain DC Ejiro Evero

During his introductory press conference, new Panthers head coach Dave Canales praised incumbent defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. That pointed to the latter being retained, and the team will indeed head in that direction.

Joe Person of The Athletic confirms Carolina will keep Evero in place for 2024 (subscription required). Person adds that most of the Panthers’ defensive staffers are expected to stay put as well, meaning Carolina will have stability on that side of the ball. Evero was again a top candidate for both head coaching and defensive coordinator postings in the 2024 hiring cycle.

He met twice with the Panthers before they elected to hire Canales, but also the Falcons and Seahawks. Evero was also linked to several DC openings, but the Panthers blocked him from interviewing on three different occasions. The 43-year-old led a 2-15 Panthers team to a fourth-place finish in total defense, after guiding the Broncos to seventh in that department in 2022.

Facing uncertainty at the onset of the hiring cycle with respect to the head coaching position, the Panthers made it clear Evero would receive consideration to remain in place at least until a HC hire was made. Canales is a rookie head coach, and he landed the Carolina gig after a single season as offensive coordinator with the Buccaneers. While his attention will thus primarily be on overseeing quarterback Bryce Young‘s development and that of the offense as a whole, Evero will remain a key staffer in charge of the defense.

Carolina ranked 29th in points allowed in 2023 despite the team’s strength in certain defensive categories, and improvement in that regard will be a goal moving forward. A more productive showing on offense will aid that effort, of course, but continuity on the sidelines will help Evero and Co.’s efforts to deliver another impressive showing. Doing so would no doubt keep him on the HC radar for the 2025 cycle.

2024 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker

The Commanders’ hire has wrapped this year’s cycle. Barring a team making an 11th-hour change, the 2024 HC carousel has come to a stop. The final breakdown produced five defensive coaches being hired compared to three with backgrounds on offense. Many teams are still searching for offensive and defensive coordinators, however.

Updated 2-1-24 (10:37am CT)

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

New England Patriots

  • Jerod Mayo, linebackers coach (Patriots): Hired

Seattle Seahawks

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Ejiro Evero Aiming To Leave Panthers?

FEBRUARY 1: Confirming Evero remains in the Panthers’ plans, Canales said Thursday the incumbent DC is “a huge piece” of his vision as head coach. After blocking three DC interviews, the Panthers appear intent on following through with a Canales-Evero partnership.

JANUARY 31: Authoring one of the more interesting stretches by an assistant coach in recent NFL history, Ejiro Evero again has generated considerable interest despite being tied to a bad team. HC and DC interest has come Evero’s way, and it does not appear the Panthers’ HC hire has changed their plans regarding the incumbent defensive play-caller.

With Evero under contract, the Panthers have blocked him from meeting with the Jaguars, Dolphins and Giants. With Dave Canales in the fold, The Athletic’s Joseph Person notes the team still wants to retain Evero. HCs usually bring in their own coordinator, but the Panthers have expressed interest in keeping Evero for weeks. That does not appear a dealbreaker for Canales, who received a six-year contract in the wake of the Panthers firing coaches in-season in back-to-back years (subscription required).

[RELATED: Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker]

While Canales looks to want Evero to join OC Brad Idzik on the 2024 Carolina staff, Person adds Evero may now prefer a move elsewhere. A sense around the league points to Evero, 43, aiming to explore a coordinator role outside Charlotte rather than stay with the Panthers for a second season. This is familiar territory for Evero, whom the Broncos attempted to keep last year.

Broncos ownership attempted to convince Sean Payton to retain Evero. The team blocked him from interviewing for the Falcons’ DC gig, but after Evero met with Payton, the Broncos agreed to let their defensive coordinator out of his contract. Multiple teams then expressed interest, and David Tepper is believed to have authorized a higher-end coordinator deal to bring Evero to Charlotte. The landscape looks quite different a year later.

Tepper fired Frank Reich 11 games in, making the well-liked HC the second-shortest-tenured HC (excluding the Rams’ firing of George Allen before the 1978 season) since the merger. It would be understandable if Evero was less interested in staying under a head coach that did not hire him. These arranged marriages can lead to quick separations, and Evero’s 2023 season did not go especially well. Although the Panthers ranked fourth in total defense, they finished 29th in points allowed — a number the team’s anemic offense influenced — and 25th in defensive DVOA.

Evero’s Broncos defense fared better, ranking 14th in points ceded, seventh in total defense and 13th in DVOA. The Broncos hired Vance Joseph to replace Evero, whose teams have won a combined seven games over the past two seasons. Clubs are still monitoring this situation, but the Panthers — for now, at least — are keeping him off the coordinator market. In addition to the Giants and Dolphins, the Rams are believed to be interested. Evero spent five seasons on Sean McVay‘s staff, but the team has interviewed Raheem Morris‘ DC predecessor — Brandon Staley, who supervised Evero in 2020 — on Wednesday. Seeing as three teams have seen their interview requests denied, it would be natural for them to look elsewhere. Counting the positions in Seattle and Washington, eight DC jobs remain unfilled.

Elsewhere on the Panthers’ staff, Person adds they are not retaining pass-game coordinator Parks Frazier. Considering Frazier’s ties to Reich, this is hardly surprising. Frazier finished the 2022 season as the Colts’ play-caller, rising from his assistant QBs coach post after two other Indianapolis staffers turned down the gig under Jeff Saturday. Reich brought Frazier with him to Carolina, but after the Panthers’ offense faceplanted in 2023, a full-on overhaul looks set to commence.

Panthers Block Giants, Dolphins Ejiro Evero DC Interview Requests

Ejiro Evero remains connected to a number of moves sending him out of Carolina, but such an agreement may not be possible. The Panthers defensive coordinator has had another pair of interview requests denied.

[RELATED: Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker]

Carolina has blocked DC interviews for Evero with the Giants and Dolphins, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes (video link). Teams are allowed to block coordinators from making lateral moves, as the Panthers have already demonstrated during this year’s hiring cycle. The team prevented the Jaguars from speaking with Evero for their DC vacancy.

As Pelissero adds, it is unknown at this point if Evero wishes to remain in Carolina if another DC position awaits him elsewhere. The 43-year-old interviewed with the Seahawks for their head coaching position for the second time on Saturday, meaning he remains in the running for that post. Evero has not served as a head coach before, and he has just a pair of seasons as a coordinator (one each with the Broncos and Panthers) to his name.

In spite of that, his success both in Denver and Carolina has landed him on the HC radar. Evero guided the Broncos to a seventh-place finish in total defense last year, and the Panthers ranked fourth in that category in 2023. The former Rams safeties coach has been linked to a potential L.A. return, and his name has also been floated with respect to the Packers’ DC vacancy.

Carolina’s staff was in a holding pattern to begin the hiring cycle, with it known a new head coach would be brought in. The Panthers have tapped Dave Canales as their hire, and his background as an offensive coordinator could give Evero a high degree of autonomy in charge of the team’s defense. With Canales in place, it will be interesting to see if the Panthers’ willingness to allow Evero to explore other options will change in the near future.

Miami saw Vic Fangio depart earlier this week after just one season in South Beach. The veteran staffer has moved quickly in taking on the DC role with the Eagles, leaving the Dolphins in search of not only better health on defense (compared to where things stood at the end of the campaign) but also another new voice to guide the unit. The Giants moved on from Don Martindale amidst reported tension with head coach Brian Daboll, putting an end to their two-year partnership. Both teams remain on the lookout for a new coordinator, but for now Evero will not be a part of that process.

Ejiro Evero In Play For Rams’ DC Job; Team Requests Meeting With Aden Durde

For the fifth time in Sean McVay‘s seven-year tenure, the Rams have seen one of their assistants become a head coach. Raheem Morris is the latest to make the jump, being hired by the Falcons. The Rams are now determining how they will replace him.

They have two familiar names in the mix. In addition to McVay considering a Brandon Staley reunion, The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue indicates Ejiro Evero will be a strong candidate for the position. Though, the matter of the Panthers letting Evero out of his contract looms.

Evero, a Rams assistant from 2017-21, has seen his profile skyrocket despite being the defensive coordinator for two losing teams. After a stay on the 5-12 Broncos in 2022, Evero interviewed for every available HC job last year and subsequently became an in-demand coordinator candidate. The Panthers’ 2-15 record did not impede Evero, either, as HC interviews have followed.

Evero, 43, cannot devote full focus to a coordinator future just yet. Although the Panthers and Falcons hired other candidates over him, the rising staffer has a second Seahawks interview on tap for Saturday. Evero, who was born in England, served as the Rams’ safeties coach from 2017-20 before being elevated to DBs coach prior to the team’s Super Bowl-winning season.

While the chance of Evero being a coordinator for three teams in three years looms, the Panthers have previously shown interest in retaining him. Prior to hiring Dave Canales, Carolina blocked a Jacksonville request to meet with Evero about its DC job. It is unclear if Canales will retain Evero, but with Dan Morgan rising up the chain to the GM spot, it would not surprise if the organization stuck to its guns and kept Evero as DC despite hiring a new coach.

Additionally, at least one candidate without a past with McVay has surfaced. The Rams sent Cowboys defensive line coach Aden Durde a request to meet about the position, ESPN.com’s Todd Archer tweets. Durde has been on the Cowboys’ staff for the past three years, following Dan Quinn over from Atlanta. Durde, who is English, helped develop players in the U.K. as part of the NFL’s international pathway program prior to joining the Falcons midway through Quinn’s tenure.

Falcons Give Ejiro Evero Second HC Interview, Meeting With Mike Vrabel

As a Falcons-Jim Harbaugh partnership hit a notable snag today, the team is still going about its HC search. Ejiro Evero went through a second interview with the team Wednesday.

In addition to the Evero meeting, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero notes Mike Vrabel‘s rumored summit is scheduled for today. Word of the Vrabel Atlanta meeting surfaced just as the second Harbaugh interview did, but the former might be more attainable by comparison considering recent developments. This is Vrabel’s first interview for the Falcons’ job; the six-year Titans coach is in Atlanta for the meeting.

Harbaugh has been in serious talks with the Chargers about becoming their next head coach. This has led to Harbaugh’s second Falcons meeting — scheduled for today — being nixed. The sides have not shut down the prospect of rescheduling, but the Michigan HC calling off a scheduled interview does point to the Bolts buzz being legitimate.

Pelissero, however, indicates the Harbaugh meeting is now scheduled for Thursday. Though, that interview is being classified as tentatively slated to occur. Indeed, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini adds Harbaugh’s Falcons meeting could occur later this week if he decides to go through with it. Harbaugh is believed to have an agreement on his Chargers HC salary, though other matters are still being worked out. Even if that hire is imminent, the Falcons are conducting a widespread search.

The Falcons have interviewed 14 candidates, and although Bill Belichick was the first of those to meet with team brass twice, the longtime Patriots icon’s momentum for this job appears to have slowed. Others are being given second interviews, potentially reopening the race.

Evero is part of that contingent, with the Panthers’ defensive coordinator still possessing momentum despite a 2-15 Carolina season. Evero has managed to place himself as a fixture on two HC carousels despite both his past two teams — the Broncos and Panthers — struggling. Evero still elevated his candidacy considerably by keeping Denver’s 2022 defense afloat. Evero’s Carolina defense ranked 29th in points allowed but fourth in yardage, though DVOA slotted the Panthers’ defense 25th.

Evero is far from the only non-Belichick candidate to meet about this job twice. Connected to a wide-ranging search to replace Arthur Smith, the Falcons have now reached out to several options about second meetings. Via PFR’s Head Coaching Search Tracker, here is how this process stands Wednesday afternoon:

Seahawks Arranging Second HC Interviews With Five Candidates

Seattle’s first head coaching search since 2010 has seen a number of first interviews take place, and more are coming. A list of candidates set to receive a second look has emerged as well, however.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports Seattle is arranging second interviews with five head coaching candidates: Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Raiders DC Patrick Graham, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Rams DC Raheem Morris and Cowboys DC Dan Quinn. Pelissero adds, though, that the list is likely to grow in time.

Each of those staffers has met with the Seahawks once already. The latter in particular was immediately floated as a top option to replace Pete Carroll given his ties to the organization. Quinn served as Seattle’s defensive coordinator from 2013-14, having also spent a pair of seasons there (2009-10) as the team’s defensive line coach. He has enjoyed regular season success during his time with the Cowboys, and Dallas’ postseason letdown has not taken him out of serious consideration for at least the Seahawks’ gig.

Evero, Graham and Morris join Quinn in having a background on the defensive side of the ball. Evero, like many other staffers on the Panthers, entered the 2023 season with notable expectations given his success with the Broncos. While Carolina struggled mightily on offense, Evero’s unit held up well in certain categories and finished fourth in total defense. He has drawn interest from a number of teams as a result, including the Panthers.

Morris, like Quinn, has NFL head coaching experience. The former took over after the latter was fired by the Falcons, and he also spent three seasons in charge of the Buccaneers. Morris has rebuilt his stock to an extent during his run with the Rams’ defense. He has been connected to four openings other than Seattle’s so far.

Graham’s NFL coaching career dates back to 2009, and he has worked as a DC with the Dolphins, Giants and Raiders. Las Vegas experienced a dramatic defensive turnaround after Antonio Pierce was promoted to interim head coach, and with him now having been given the position on a full-time basis, Graham could very well be on the way out. The 44-year-old held the title of assistant head coach during his time in New York, but he has never led a staff at the college or NFL levels.

As the only staffer with a background on the offensive side of the ball, Kafka’s inclusion on the list is notable. He was reported to be in danger of losing his position during the 2023 season, one in which little went according to plan for the Giants. Kafka has survived, however, and he will remain in New York for 2024 unless his second straight year receiving HC interest lands him an opportunity elsewhere.

Today’s news does not include a first interview being arranged with former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. That is signficant given the connections made between he and the Seahawks in recent days. Vrabel has interviewed with the Falcons and Chargers, so the Seahawks could have competition for his services if they decide to meet with him. In-person interviews with coaches currently on NFL staffs cannot take place until after the divisional round is completed. Given that rule, and the volume of staffers reciving an extended look, Seattle’s search will likely continue for some time.

Falcons Request Second Interview With Panthers’ Ejiro Evero

The Falcons are preparing to move forward in the search for their next head coach. So far, Atlanta has interviewed 13 candidates to replace Arthur Smith and still plan to interview former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel this Wednesday. Despite Vrabel’s impending interview, Atlanta has begun the process of reaching out for second interviews. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is one of the candidates moving on to the second round of interviews.

Evero was a popular candidate for open head coaching jobs last year following an impressive season coaching the Broncos defense. He interviewed with the Panthers and Broncos, made it to second interviews with the Texans and Colts, and was considered a potential finalist for the Cardinals job before eventually accepting the Panthers defensive coordinator job under Frank Reich. Under Evero, the Panthers went from 22nd in yards allowed in 2022 to fourth in 2023, only furthering many teams’ desires to see him as a head coach.

So far this year, Evero has interviewed for the Falcons, Panthers, and Seahawks open head coaching gigs. He continues to impress on the interview circuit as both Seattle and Carolina have invited Evero back for second interviews. With Atlanta joining the club, the 43-year-old defensive coordinator is batting 1.000 on getting second interviews this offseason.

The Falcons requested interviews with at least 14 candidates, that we know of. New Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce is the only one who hasn’t been confirmed to have interviewed. As we mentioned above, Vrabel is still awaiting his first interview. Besides those two, former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, Bills interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, and 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks have all conducted interviews with the Falcons.

Of all those candidates, Belichick, Callahan, and Harbaugh join Evero as candidates who will receive a second interview. Rumors have named Belichick as a favorite for the position, but Atlanta may be tempted to go with a newer up-and-coming name like Callahan or Evero. There could still be weeks to go as several candidates will be in the playoffs for at least another week, but count Evero as one of the candidates moving forward for the next round of interviews.