Ejiro Evero's future has been a hot topic of discussion among the fanbase in recent weeks. Some want a fresh start, while others are willing to give the Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator another go with some upgrades to the personnel this offseason.
Evero is working with one hand tied behind his back. He wants to change the scheme slightly but can't because of Carolina's talent deficiency. The Panthers' run defense, in particular, is nothing short of abysmal and shows no signs of getting better anytime soon.
This is a tricky predicament for the Panthers. Evero could get head coaching interviews once again. A situation could also emerge where both parties go their separate ways and head coach Dave Canales starts fresh with another coordinator.
It's a fine line with huge ramifications attached. Evero is a good coach who's been dealt a rough hand in Carolina. One could forgive him for feeling a little demoralized and might jump at the chance of a new challenge. The Panthers must come up with contingency plans to ensure no momentum is lost.
With this in mind, here are five potential replacements for Evero if he leaves the Panthers in 2025.
Ejiro Evero replacements if the Carolina Panthers cut ties in 2025
Carolina Panthers could promote Jonathan Cooley
From a continuity standpoint if nothing else, the Carolina Panthers could promote from within rather than look outside the franchise. Jonathan Cooley would be among the primary candidates in this scenario.
Cooley's drawn rave reviews for his work since joining the Panthers. The secondary/cornerbacks coach is respected within the locker room and knows how to get his message across. For all the Panthers' failings defensively, the pass defense has held its own in the face of concerted pressure.
Whether the Panthers would go for a complete reset if Evero is no longer around remains to be seen. Cooley followed the coordinator to Carolina after developing a working relationship during their time with the Los Angeles Rams. That could mean the concepts and scheme are similar, but he's on the right trajectory to a coordinator job one day regardless of whether he gets considered.
Giving Cooley an interview to see what he could bring to any potential promotion wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Carolina Panthers could hire Dennis Allen
If Ejiro Evero leaves the Carolina Panthers for one reason or another this offseason, head coach Dave Canales could opt for an experienced play-caller to smooth the transition. Several worthy candidates are looking for a route back into the league if the organization goes in this direction.
Make no mistake, Dennis Allen is one of them. Things might not have gone well as New Orleans Saints head coach before getting fired earlier this season, but his defensive credentials need no introduction.
Allen masterminded some exceptional seasons with the Saints during his time as defensive coordinator. He nurtured a gifted group and turned them into a dominant unit quickly. This would be a home-run hire for the Panthers if he can put the fierce division rivalry to one side.
The Panthers would be wise to place a call in Allen's direction. His track record was enough for the Saints to promote him once Sean Payton called it a day with the organization. It should be enough to get coordinator offers now that he's had some time to reflect away from the spotlight.
Carolina could do far worse than examine Allen's credentials in greater detail if Evero is made surplus to requirements.
Carolina Panthers could hire Jim Leonhard
If the Carolina Panthers want to think outside the box, then examining a progressive figure looking for a coordinator shot is something to consider if Ejiro Evero departs the franchise after two seasons. Jim Leonhard enters the equation in this scenario.
After a nine-year NFL playing career, Leonhard turned his attention to coaching. He worked his way up the college ranks, earning his stripes before the league came calling. That arrived with the Denver Broncos as defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator.
Leonhard took the opportunity and thrived. He's been a revelation in Denver this season, galvanizing the secondary and turning it into one of the league's most productive units. Having an All-Pro cornerback in former first-round pick Patrick Surtain II helps, but that does not detract from his outstanding contribution.
This might come too soon for Leonhard. He's spent one season with the Broncos and could be overlooked for others with a little more experience. At the same time, this represents Carolina getting ahead of the game as they did with Dave Canales.
The Panthers would be taking a risk. But with high risk comes high reward.
Carolina Panthers could hire Wink Martindale
Wink Martindale should be an NFL coach. He was scapegoated by the New York Giants last season and found himself on the outside looking in as a result. Eager to continue his career, he joined the Michigan Wolverines as defensive coordinator.
While the 2023 college football national champions came nowhere close to retaining their crown, Martindale's done well on the defensive side of things. He's brought the best out of some sure-fire first-round selections such as Mason Graham and Will Johnson. This is exactly what Michigan had in mind after losing so many established figures — which also included head coach Jim Harbaugh — to the NFL.
Martindale deploys a blitz-happy scheme that represents a dramatic shift from Ejiro Evero's 3-4 base system. But if the Carolina Panthers can enhance their playing personnel, this gamble might just pay off.
The Panthers would be getting a proven commodity. Martindale is still highly respected in league circles and his take-no-prisoners approach should whip everyone into shape. He'd also jump at the chance to join this exciting project.
This is out of leftfield slightly, but it's just crazy enough to work in Carolina's favor.
Carolina Panthers could hire Robert Saleh
This looks like an obvious candidate.
Dave Canales and Robert Saleh go way back. They remain close friends, which could be a recipe for success if the Carolina Panthers are looking for a new defensive coordinator.
Saleh's work with the San Francisco 49ers defense got him a head coaching job with the New York Jets. He couldn't overcome working in a dysfunctional environment and was deemed a necessary sacrifice in season. Looking at how things capitulated down the stretch, the problems at MetLife Stadium run much deeper.
The Panthers and others around the league would be wise to approach Saleh. He's a strong motivator and a shrewd defensive mind. His methods resonate well with the modern-day player and he knows how to adapt to the ever-changing league landscape.
A situation could arise where Saleh gets head coaching interest. However, all signs point to a potential coordinator position to restore his reputation en route to another opportunity at some stage.
Relationships matter in the coaching fraternity. If Canales gives his friend a call, he might just accept. And no Panthers fan should be complaining about that.