Rams News: Ejiro Evero Likely Remaining As Panthers Defensive Coordinator

Ejiro Evero spent five seasons in the Los Angeles Rams organization. From 2017-20, he was the safeties coach and was promoted to secondary coach and passing game coordinator for the 2021 NFL campaign. The Rams secondary was strong in 2021 and was instrumental in their eventual Super Bowl championship.

Evero was quickly hired as the defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos, then was hired in the same role by the Carolina Panthers in 2023.

The Panthers, despite finishing with the worst record in football, allowed the fourth-fewest yards per game and the third-fewest passing yards per game. The defense especially picked up towards the end of the season, and it would be hard to blame the defense for any of Carolina’s struggles in 2023.

So Evero was, once again, a coveted figure as the offseason began. For a time, there was smoke about a potential reunion with the Rams, as Raheem Morris’ departure to the Atlanta Falcons opened up the defensive coordinator position in L.A.. However, it appears Evero is staying with the Panthers, according to Joe Person of The Athletic:

Dave Canales said he expects Ejiro Evero to be back as defensive coordinator, calling that a “huge piece” for the Panthers.

— Joe Person (@josephperson) February 1, 2024

Evero returning to the Rams would have been a massive get for Sean McVay and company, who are in the midst of an expansive defensive coordinator search. However, Evero staying in Carolina is a huge boost for a rebuilding Panthers team.

Not only is he widely respected around the league and has a proven track record of improving defenses, an organization like the Panthers can hugely benefit from some continuity at the top of the chain.

The Rams now have to look elsewhere for a defensive coordinator, and they have already done so, conducting interviews with several qualified candidates both internal and external.

Ron Rivera among interviewees for Rams’ defensive coordinator

The Rams interviewed an intriguing candidate in former Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera for their defensive coordinator opening.

Rivera coached the Commanders from 2020-2023 after a nine-year stint as the Panthers head coach from 2011-2019. Prior to that, Rivera was the San Diego Chargers defensive coordinator from 2008-2010 and Chicago Bears defensive coordinator from 2004-2006.

Rivera has been a popular name this offseason as he previously interviewed for the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator job before they hired Vic Fangio.

The Dallas Cowboys have also been linked to Rivera for their defensive coordinator position with Dan Quinn taking over as the head coach in Washington.