New Panthers coach Dave Canales will retain Ejiro Evero, most of defensive staff

The Carolina Panthers’ new head coach Dave Canales is reportedly sticking with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and most of his defensive staff, according to The Athletics‘ Joe Person. Serving under Evero last season were assistants Jonathan Cooley (CB), Peter Hansen (LB), Tem Lukabu (OLB), Todd Wash (DL) and Bert Watts (S).

Also on the defensive staff as assistants, former Panthers and Texans head coach Dom Capers and former three-time Pro Bowler DeAngelo Hall. If there will be any changes to the staff under Evero after the 2023 season, they’ve yet to be announced.

Canales spoke about Evero during his introductory press conference with the Carolina Panthers on Thursday. From what he said, most expected the new head coach to at least keep the coordinator in place while he tinkers with the offense.

“For me? What a huge piece of what we’re doing,” Canales said.

Canales knows first-hand of Evero’s importance considering the challenge that his defenses have presented to his offenses in the past. In two games against Canales when he was Tampa Bay’s offensive coordinator last season, Evero’s defenses found some success. They allowed 30 total points in two games, including a season-low for the Buccaneers of seven in the season finale, on an average of 275 yards a game. After giving up three touchdowns in the first meeting in a three-point loss, they gave up only three field goals to them in the final game of the season.

“Oh my gosh. Just the respect factor I have,” Canales added in reference to Evero as a foe on the opposite sideline. “It was really difficult for me for years.”

Panthers stick with Evero as defensive coordinator

In 2023, the Panthers’ defense finished 29th overall in the NFL by allowing 24.5 points per game. The unit gave up nearly 5,000 yards of offense at 4.9 yards per play and 2.1 points per drive. They forced a league-low of just 11 turnovers as well. The defense allowed 293.9 total yards per game this season, however, good for fourth in the league.

Evero joined the team after serving as the Broncos defensive coordinator in 2022. He’s also worked for the Rams, Packers, 49ers and the Buccaneers on his way up the ladder. He interviewed for head coach positions during this hiring cycle, but it appears he’ll stick with Canales and Carolina for at least a season. Evero had interest from the Seattle Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons.