The Las Vegas Raiders are giving a serious look at a familiar face in their head coaching search. Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is set for an in-person interview with the team next week - his second meeting with the Raiders after a virtual sit-down last week.
This isn’t just another name on the list. Evero, 45, has a connection to the Raiders that goes way back.
He first entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Silver and Black back in 2004. Though his playing career didn’t take off, his coaching journey has been on a steady climb ever since.
After returning to UC Davis, his alma mater, as an assistant coach, Evero got his NFL coaching start with the Buccaneers as a defensive quality control coach. From there, he moved through similar roles with the 49ers and Packers, gaining valuable experience in multiple systems.
His big break came with the Rams, where he was hired as safeties coach in 2017 and eventually promoted to secondary coach and passing game coordinator in 2021. That Rams unit played a major role in their Super Bowl LVI run.
In 2022, the Broncos tapped him to run their defense, and despite a challenging season, Evero earned respect for his ability to keep the unit competitive. He took on the same role with the Panthers in 2023, and while Carolina’s 2025 campaign didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet, the defense held its own - finishing 16th in total yards allowed, 15th in points allowed per game, and middle of the pack in both passing and rushing defense.
Evero’s name is one of several in the mix for the Raiders' top job. Here's a look at the full list of known candidates:
- Vance Joseph, Broncos defensive coordinator (Interviewed)
- Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator (Interviewed)
- Matt Nagy, Chiefs offensive coordinator (Interviewed)
- Ejiro Evero, Panthers defensive coordinator (Interviewed)
- Jesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinator (Interviewed)
- Kevin Stefanski, former Browns head coach (Interviewed)
- Davis Webb, Broncos quarterbacks coach (Requested)
- Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator (Requested)
- Nate Scheelhaase, Rams pass game coordinator (Scheduled)
- Mike LaFleur, Rams offensive coordinator (Requested)
- Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinator (Requested)
- Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator
- Mike McDaniel, former Dolphins head coach (Scheduled)
It’s a wide-ranging list, featuring a mix of offensive and defensive minds, young risers and experienced hands. But Evero’s blend of familiarity with the Raiders organization, a strong defensive pedigree, and a steady rise through the coaching ranks makes him a particularly intriguing option.
The Raiders have made it clear they’re casting a wide net, but bringing in Evero for a second interview - this time in person - suggests there’s real interest. Whether that leads to a reunion in Las Vegas remains to be seen, but Evero is firmly in the conversation as the Raiders look to define their next era.