The Raiders are moving closer to making a decision on their next head coach, and one name that’s clearly gaining traction is Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. The team recently completed a second interview with Evero, a strong signal that he’s firmly in the mix as Las Vegas looks to chart its future.
With interviews of both Evero and former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel now complete-and with McDaniel reportedly leaning toward a role with the Chargers as offensive coordinator-the Raiders have satisfied the Rooney Rule requirements. That means they can now make a hire at any time. And with the coaching carousel spinning fast this offseason, timing could be everything.
Evero’s résumé is quietly impressive, especially for a coach who’s still relatively young in the coordinator ranks. He took over Carolina’s defense in 2023 under then-head coach Frank Reich, inheriting a unit that struggled to find its footing.
But by 2025, Evero had helped engineer a significant turnaround. The Panthers finished the season ranked 16th in total yards allowed and 15th in points allowed-a respectable leap for a team that was near the bottom of the league just a year earlier.
And that’s not the first time Evero has elevated a defense. Back in 2022, he led a Broncos unit that finished seventh in yards allowed.
He followed that up in 2023 with the Panthers, who climbed all the way to fourth in that same category. That kind of consistency across different rosters and systems speaks volumes about his ability to adapt and lead.
Evero’s coaching journey has taken him through some of the league’s more respected organizations. He’s held roles with the 49ers, Packers, and Rams-teams known for developing coaching talent and building strong defensive identities. That background, combined with his recent success as a coordinator, makes him an intriguing candidate for a Raiders franchise that’s been searching for both stability and a clear identity on the field.
But Evero isn’t the only name in the mix. The Raiders are casting a wide net, with a candidate pool that includes some of the league’s top offensive and defensive minds. Among them: Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, 49ers OC Klay Kubiak, Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak, Rams OC Mike LaFleur, Chargers DC Jesse Minter, Chiefs OC Matt Nagy, Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, Rams DC Chris Shula, and Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb.
It’s a diverse group, ranging from seasoned play-callers to rising stars. But Evero’s name keeps coming up for a reason-he’s shown he can build a defense from the ground up and get results, even in tough situations. For a Raiders team that’s looking to re-establish its defensive identity and compete in a tough AFC West, that kind of leadership could be exactly what they need.
The clock is ticking, and with the coaching market heating up, don’t be surprised if the Raiders make their move sooner rather than later.