What are some major observations to take from the Carolina Panthers hiring Ejiro Evero as their new defensive coordinator in 2023?
Frank Reich made no secret of his desire to form a prolific coaching staff after securing the head coaching gig. Something that team owner David Tepper was also fully on board with in pursuit of finally getting the Carolina Panthers among the leading contenders.
So far, so good.
In a shocking twist on Sunday evening, the Panthers confirmed that Ejiro Evero had agreed to become their new defensive coordinator. This represents a huge splash from Carolina and something that brought further excitement among a fanbase that is now holding out real hope for the future.
With that being said, here are four major observations from the Panthers hiring Evero.
Major Observation No. 1
Carolina Panthers pulled off a major coup
After initially interviewing Ejiro Evero for their head coaching vacancy, the Carolina Panthers were suitably impressed. So much so that when the Denver Broncos finally allowed him to eek additional employment in the wake of Sean Payton becoming head coach, those in power struck with supreme conviction.
Evero was a leading candidate to become the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator before the Panthers came in with a bold bid at the 11th hour. Something that represents a significant coup and made the entire NFL sit up and take notice.
Carolina Panthers might not have Ejiro Evero for long
Although there is a real sense of excitement about what Ejiro Evero can bring to the Carolina Panthers, it might not be for long. The respected coach is rapidly emerging as a future head coaching candidate, holding interviews with numerous teams throughout this latest cycle without quite doing enough to secure a top job.
If Evero can get a tune out of Carolina’s young and talented defense, there will be plenty of teams giving him a call during the 2024 head coaching carousel. What’s important for the Panthers is making the most out of his time with the organization, however long it lasts.
This looks like a win-win for all parties. It allows Evero to build his ever-growing reputation with a defense that appears more than ready to take the next step, while Carolina gets one of the best young coordinators in the business during the first season of Frank Reich’s reign.
If Evero stays with Carolina for two seasons, they’ll receive a third-round draft selection in the event he does get a head coaching job. However, whether he’ll make it that far down the line remains to be seen.
This proves above all else that the Panthers are serious about winning immediately under Reich. Evero represents someone that can make an instant difference, even if it’s likely to be a short-term arrangement rather than a long-term stay with the franchise.
Carolina Panthers’ defense is a perfect match for Ejiro Evero
One of the things that undoubtedly attracted Ejiro Evero to the Carolina Panthers was the amount of talent on defense. This unit came on leaps and bounds in 2022, but they were often let down by a lackluster offense that’s clearly held them back for two consecutive campaigns.
That element should also progress with Frank Reich at the helm. If Evero can enhance the defensive side of things for good measure, the Panthers will be a force capable of winning the NFC South.
Evero’s scheme is complex with multiple looks and a primary 3-4 base that plays to the strengths of his primary weapons. Looking at the current personnel in Carolina, it’s a match made in heaven.
The Panthers put an emphasis on finding athletic defenders capable of occupying different positions depending on the opposition’s weaknesses. Players like Jeremy Chinn and Frankie Luvu should thrive with Evero calling the shots, with others such as Brian Burns and Derrick Brown also set to reap some hefty rewards.
Providing the right recruits are sought this offseason, the sky’s the limit.
Evero turned the Broncos into one of the league’s most imposing defenses last season despite offensive failings and Bradley Chubb’s trade to the Miami Dolphins. Therefore, it’s hard to envisage a scenario where the new coordinator falls flat on his face in a different environment.
Carolina Panthers are a serious operation again
After the Matt Rhule experiment was ridiculed and ended abruptly, team owner David Tepper couldn’t afford to make similar mistakes during this cycle. Based on what the billionaire’s done so far, some harsh lessons have been taken on board.
Everyone makes mistakes. That’s just part of life.
It just so happens that Tepper’s have big-time implications for the Carolina Panthers. However, some growth seems to be occurring within a collective approach that includes balanced input from Frank Reich and general manager Scott Fitterer.
Obviously, putting out a better football product remains the goal. But the Panthers are assembling an all-star coaching staff that should ensure every single player is in the best possible position to thrive.
Reich, Ejiro Evero, and Duce Staley are fantastic hires. Keeping offensive line coach James Campen and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor around after their substantial impact in 2022 was another outstanding piece of business.
Carolina is a serious football operation again after becoming the NFL’s laughing stock when Rhule held absolute power. Tepper has the money, but Reich’s connections and the esteem in which he is held around the league made him the right man to acquire coaches of Evero’s caliber.
There’s a long way to go. But this offseason is off to a flying start.