The Carolina Panthers and former Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero agreed to terms for him to take on the same role in Carolina, marking the first addition to new coach Frank Reich’s staff, the team announced Sunday. Here’s what you need to know:
- The Broncos let Evero, 42, out of his contract to pursue other roles after hiring Sean Payton as coach, according to reports.
- Evero drew interest from multiple teams for head-coaching vacancies and interviewed for Carolina’s before landing in the DC role.
- The final numbers for Denver’s defense in 2022 — including ranking No. 7 in total defense — are a testament to Evero’s coaching talent, despite the team’s 5-12 record.
#Panthers agree to terms with Ejiro Evero to become defensive coordinatorhttps://t.co/ViQ27x7UK8
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 5, 2023
Backstory
The Broncos finished 10th in defensive DVOA, seventh in defensive EPA, seventh in yards allowed per game (320), seventh in opponent points per drive (1.71), second in third-down success rate (34.1 percent), seventh in opponent red-zone touchdown rate (51.1 percent), fourth in defensive three-and-out percentage (37.9) and tied for 14th in takeaways (23) this season.
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Evero was able to help Denver’s defense produce those numbers despite a pass rush that was significantly impacted by injuries to Randy Gregory (only six games played) and the midseason trade of Bradley Chubb. A handful of the team’s top defensive players produced career-best seasons during their first year in Evero’s scheme.
Evero previously coached with the Rams, Packers, 49ers and Buccaneers.
What does Evero’s hire mean for the Panthers?
It means that owner David Tepper wasn’t kidding last week when he said he was committed to helping Reich build a top-10 staff. Terms haven’t been disclosed on Evero’s deal, yet. But given the interest he drew for both head coach and defensive coordinator vacancies, you can bet Evero is now one of the highest-paid defensive coordinators in the league. The Panthers were among the teams that interviewed the 42-year-old Evero for their head-coaching job, and came away from the meeting impressed.
Besides the Panthers’ talent on defense, the ability to put together his own staff in Charlotte was attractive to Evero. Reich needs to make sure there’s someone on staff he can groom to replace Evero, who figures to be in demand again next year. — Person
What defense will the Panthers run under Evero?
When Evero took over for Vic Fangio last year in Denver, he told reporters he planned to continue using the same 3-4 scheme as Fangio, but with more blitzes.
“You’ve got to affect the quarterback,” Evero said, according to The Denver Post. “If you can’t get there with four, you’ve got to bring five, and if you can’t get there with five you’ve got to bring six. That’s my philosophy (with pressure).”
The Panthers ran multiple looks under former defensive coordinator Phil Snow, but were mostly a four-man front under interim DC Al Holcomb. They may need to tweak their personnel a bit, but it’s not hard to envision outside linebacker Frankie Luvu and edge rusher Brian Burns thriving in Evero’s system. — Person
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What’s next for the Panthers staff-wise?
The Panthers now have two of their three coordinators in place, having retained special teams coordinator Chris Tabor (and offensive line coach James Campen), as The Athletic first reported.
Reich said whether he calls plays might depend on who he brings in as offensive coordinator. The OC search has been quiet, which could mean Reich is looking at a couple of Eagles’ assistants. Philadelphia quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson has been mentioned as a possible target, while Eagles passing game coordinator Kevin Patullo was on Reich’s staff in Indianapolis.
On defense, keep an eye on Bobby Maffei, who worked with the secondary after Steve Wilks took over and coached in the Senior Bowl last week. The Panthers also could bring in Dom Capers, the first coach in team history, in a defensive consultant role. Capers has ties to both Evero and Reich, a quarterback on Capers’ first team. — Person
Required reading
- Why Broncos’ Ejiro Evero has emerged as a top NFL head-coach candidate
- Sean Payton’s next moves with Broncos: Keep Ejiro Evero? Trade for picks?
(Photo: David Zalubowski / AP)