Evero Expected to be Retained as Panthers' Defensive Coordinator

The last major domino of the Carolina coaching staff has fallen, unofficially.

After taking head coaching interviews and being requested for defensive coordinator interviews, Ejiro Evero is expected to stick around in Carolina as the team's defensive coordinator, according to head coach Dave Canales.

Canales spoke on Evero's status during his introductory press conference after a reporter asked him about the retention of the defensive staff. "Oh my gosh, just the respect factor I have. ... It was really difficult for me for years," said Canales when asked about Evero. "For me, what a huge piece of what we're doing."

Canales is familiar with Evero's game. In Week 18 with a playoff spot on the line for Canales' Buccaneers, Evero's defense held Tampa Bay to nine points. Unfortunately for Carolina, nine points allowed was enough for the Buccaneers to sneak away with a win, but Evero's unit stifled Baker Mayfield and Canales' offense.

Film Room: What Canales Brings to Carolina

Evero's unit failed to perform on paper, but anybody who watched the Panthers in 2023 knows that the coordinator was dealt a tough hand. Injuries ravaged the secondary, and the lack of a secondary pass-rusher limited the impact of star edge Brian Burns. On top of that, an anemic offense left the defense defending short fields over and over again.

Carolina enters a key offseason with needs all over the roster, but bolstering the talent on defense is a must. Thankfully for the Panthers' front office, they are retaining a well-respected defensive mind that can mold whatever talent they bring in between now and September.

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