The NFL world is abuzz over the news that the Carolina Panthers hired a new defensive coordinator.
Head coach Frank Reich hired Ejiro Evero as the team’s new DC. The Panthers themselves announced the hiring of Evero, who comes over after one season as defensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos.
“Panthers agree to terms with Ejiro Evero to become defensive coordinator,” Carolina announced on Twitter.
#Panthers agree to terms with Ejiro Evero to become defensive coordinatorhttps://t.co/ViQ27x7UK8
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) February 5, 2023
Evero, 42, had an outstanding debut as a defensive coordinator in 2022. While the Bronco offense sputtered, the defense absolutely did not. Denver allowed only 5.0 yards/play and 320 yards/game, both standing Top 10 in the NFL. The Broncos also allowed the second-fewest yards per completion in the league this season.
So this is a very big move for the Panthers. They already have a lot of talent on the squad already in Brian Burns and Jaycee Horn. Given that Ejiro has proven himself a worthy coach, even before his stint with the Broncos, positive results could be on their way.
They are certainly a team in need of results. Carolina missed out on the postseason again this year, though, despite a listless start, they nearly made it. The Panthers ran towards the finish line of the NFL season and nearly won the NFC South. But instead, Carolina fell one game shy of winning the division. This was despite their 7-10 record.
The NFL world reacted to the news of the hire.
Easy to imagine many of the Panthers' young stars–Horn, Brown, Burns, Luvu–thriving in Evero's scheme (Fangio tree). One area of need would be safety, I think.
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) February 5, 2023
This is a tremendous hire for the Panthers.
There are some really good ingredients in place and Ejiro Evero is a massive get to be the architect of this defense. https://t.co/O4CY4qbaGy
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) February 5, 2023
Frank Reich said last week that David Tepper was committed to building a top coaching staff. Ejiro Evero is a heckuva start,
— Joe Person (@josephperson) February 5, 2023
The #Panthers and #Vikings both had discussions with Ejiro Evero, who ends up in Carolina with a huge commitment from the #Panthers. Minnesota had two top candidates for DC — Evero and Brian Flores. They are now in a strong position for Flores. https://t.co/SLlZnUFi64
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 5, 2023
Ejiro Evero is a Top 3 DC in the NFL. I don’t think he lasts more than a year in Carolina bc he will likely be a heavily-pursued HC candidate in ‘24.
However, this is an excellent hire by Frank Reich. He’s building a great staff together.
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) February 5, 2023
