The Denver Broncos struggled mightily on the offensive side of the ball in 2022. However, their defense still managed to keep its status as one of the best in the league, thanks to a talented group and the work of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Despite this, Evero and the Broncos decided to part ways on Monday, with the 42-year-old DC taking the same role with the Carolina Panthers.
Evero is the first significant hire made by the new Panthers’ head coach Frank Reich. The move was officially confirmed on Monday.
Evero joined the Broncos ahead of the 2022 NFL season after Nathaniel Hackett took over as the franchise’s head coach. Under Evero, the Broncos were Top 10-ranked in most defensive categories, including defensive DVOA, defensive EPA, yards allowed per game, opponent points per drive, and third-down success rate.
Once Hackett was dismissed in Week 16 following a 4-11 record, Evero was offered the interim head-coaching job but turned it down. He was a candidate for several head-coaching vacancies this offseason, interviewing with the Indianapolis Colts and the Houston Texans, but didn’t receive any job offers. Once Sean Payton was hired as the Broncos head coach, he allowed Evero to search for new opportunities, wanting to hire his own defensive coordinator.
In Carolina, Evero will have the opportunity to work with another talented defensive group, which showed great potential in 2022. He is also expected to have a big say in all things defense considering Reich’s preference to focus on the offense.
