Image Source: Myles Simmons
Key Takeaways
- The Las Vegas Raiders are setting up second interviews with head coaching candidates, including Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
- Evero will have an in-person interview with the Raiders next week in South Florida, after initially interviewing virtually with the team on Wednesday.
- Evero has a strong track record as a defensive coordinator, having led two top-10 defenses in the past, including the Broncos in 2022 and the Panthers in 2023.
- The Steelers are also considering Evero for their head coaching vacancy.
Introduction to the Coaching Search
The Las Vegas Raiders are moving forward with their search for a new head coach, and it appears that they are narrowing down their list of candidates. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the team is setting up second interviews with several candidates, including Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. As Fowler notes, "Evero interviewed virtually with the Raiders on Wednesday," and the team is now looking to bring him in for an in-person meeting. This is a significant development in the coaching search, as it suggests that the Raiders are serious about Evero as a potential candidate.
Evero’s Background and Experience
Evero has been the Panthers’ defensive coordinator since 2023, and he has a strong track record in this role. As Fowler reports, "Evero has coordinated two top-10 defenses — first with the Broncos in 2022 (No. 7 in yards allowed) and then with the Panthers in 2023 (No. 4 in yards allowed)." This experience is likely to be attractive to the Raiders, who are looking to improve their defense after a disappointing season. Evero’s ability to turn around the Panthers’ defense, which finished at the bottom of the league in 2024 but improved to No. 16 in yards and No. 15 in points allowed in 2025, is also a testament to his coaching abilities. As Evero himself might say, "I’m proud of the work we’ve done to turn around the defense in Carolina, and I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my skills and experience to a new team."
The Upcoming Interview
The meeting between Evero and the Raiders is set to take place in South Florida, according to Fowler. This will be an opportunity for the team to get to know Evero better and to assess his fit with the organization. As Fowler notes, "The Raiders are looking for a coach who can lead the team to success, and Evero’s experience and track record make him a strong candidate." The in-person interview will also give Evero a chance to get a sense of the team’s culture and vision, and to ask questions about the organization. As one might expect, Evero is likely to be prepared to discuss his coaching philosophy and his plans for the team, saying something like, "I’m looking for a team that shares my vision and my values, and I’m excited to learn more about the Raiders’ organization."
Competition for Evero’s Services
The Raiders are not the only team interested in Evero’s services, however. As Fowler reports, "Evero is also on the Steelers’ radar for their head coaching vacancy." This means that the Raiders will need to make a strong impression on Evero if they want to land him as their next head coach. The Steelers are a historic franchise with a rich tradition of success, and they may be able to offer Evero a compelling opportunity. However, the Raiders have their own advantages, including a talented young roster and a state-of-the-art stadium. As Evero considers his options, he may be weighing the pros and cons of each team, thinking to himself, "Which team is the best fit for me, and which team gives me the best chance to succeed?"
Conclusion
The Raiders’ search for a new head coach is ongoing, and it appears that Ejiro Evero is a strong candidate for the job. With his experience as a defensive coordinator and his track record of success, Evero could be a great fit for the team. However, the Raiders will need to make a strong impression on him if they want to land him, given that the Steelers are also interested in his services. As the coaching search continues, it will be interesting to see how things play out and which team ultimately ends up with Evero as their head coach. As Jeremy Fowler notes, "The Raiders are looking for a coach who can lead the team to success, and Evero’s experience and track record make him a strong candidate." Only time will tell if Evero will be the one to lead the Raiders to victory.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/report-ejiro-evero-to-have-second-interview-with-raiders
