Ejiro Evero's Decision to Return to Carolina Was 'Very Easy'

The Panthers' defensive coordinator loves Dave Canales' vision for the organization.

Ejiro Evero is one of the brightest defensive minds in the NFL and one day soon, he’s going to be a head coach in this league. 

Each of the past two offseasons, Evero has been interviewed for head coaching jobs and was even in the mix for the Panthers’ position both years before accepting the defensive coordinator role.

As difficult as the 2023 season was, Evero’s unit played well above expectations and were the sole reason the Panthers had any chance to be competitive (when they were). The Panthers finished the year ranked third in total defense (293.9), third in passing (171.5), and 12th in rushing yards per attempt allowed (4.1).

Evero could have left Carolina for another job, but he liked the group he has and after chatting with Dave Canales, he knew this is where he wanted to be.

“When he first got hired, we had great dialogue about just the vision of the team and once we got together and just shared our thoughts and talked through some things, it felt like the right fit,” Evero said. “There’s obviously a lot that goes on at that time of year. Very grateful and thankful for the opportunties that I got to interview for these head coaching jobs. I don’t take those lightly. Those are a blessing. Coming back here, I’m very fortunate that Dave (Canales), Dan (Morgan) and Mr. Tepper gave me this opportunity to come back here. These positions are so highly coveted and it’s an honor to be an NFL defensive coordinator, especially here being in this community, my family loves living here. We’re finally settled in and enjoying it. The organization has been fantastic. The players here, I really, really love working with them on a daily basis. That decision (to return) was very easy.”

This offseason, Evero has seen some key pieces from last year’s team move on such as Brian Burns, Frankie Luvu, and Donte Jackson but he’s brought in some familiar faces such as Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, A’Shawn Robinson, and Josey Jewell. What remains the same, though, is his defensive staff - somewhat of a rarity in the NFL.

“Our staff being back is such a huge blessing. I don’t think in my entire NFL career have I ever been on a staff, whatever role I had, where the entire (defensive) staff came back. That never really happens. That’s a huge blessing. Already having our rhythm, already having our flow that’s such a huge advantage for us.”