The Las Vegas Raiders are deep into their head coaching search, and one familiar face is getting a long look. Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero completed a second interview with the team on Tuesday, signaling he's firmly in the mix to take over the top job in Vegas.
Evero’s name may ring a bell for longtime Raiders fans - he originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Raiders back in 2004. While his playing career didn’t take off, his coaching journey has been a steady climb through the league’s defensive ranks. Now, over two decades later, he’s back in the building - this time as a serious candidate to lead the franchise.
Let’s break down where the Raiders’ coaching search stands and why Evero’s candidacy deserves attention.
Finalists Taking Shape
According to the latest updates from the Raiders’ ongoing search, three candidates have emerged as finalists:
- Former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel (Scheduled to interview)
- Panthers DC Ejiro Evero (Interviewed twice)
- Chargers DC Jesse Minter (Interviewed)
Beyond the finalists, the Raiders have cast a wide net, interviewing or requesting interviews with several other rising names:
- Broncos DC Vance Joseph (Interviewed)
- Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak (Interviewed)
- Chiefs OC Matt Nagy (Interviewed)
- Broncos QBs coach Davis Webb (Requested)
- Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase (Scheduled)
- Rams OC Mike LaFleur (Requested)
- Rams DC Chris Shula (Requested)
- Vikings DC Brian Flores (Status not specified)
It’s a diverse group, mixing seasoned coordinators, young up-and-comers, and a few familiar names with head coaching experience. But Evero stands out for more than just his résumé - his path to this point is one of persistence, adaptability, and results.
The Ejiro Evero Resume: Built from the Ground Up
After his brief stint as a player, Evero quickly transitioned to coaching, starting with a defensive quality control role in Tampa Bay. From there, he gained experience in similar roles with the 49ers and Packers, learning the ropes in two very different defensive systems.
In 2017, the Rams brought him on as their safeties coach, and that’s where his trajectory really started to accelerate. By 2021, he was promoted to secondary coach and passing game coordinator - a key role on a defense that helped fuel the Rams’ Super Bowl run.
That success earned him a shot as a defensive coordinator in Denver in 2022, where he impressed despite a challenging season. In 2023, the Panthers brought him in to take over their defense, and while the team as a whole struggled, Evero’s unit held its own.
In 2025, Carolina’s defense ranked:
- 16th in total yards allowed
- 15th in points per game
- 20th in passing defense
- 15th in rushing defense
Middle-of-the-pack numbers, sure - but context matters. The Panthers dealt with injuries and an offense that often left the defense on the field too long. Evero’s schemes remained aggressive and disciplined, and he’s earned a reputation around the league as a coach who gets the most out of his personnel.
Why Evero Fits the Raiders Mold
The Raiders are in a pivotal moment. They’ve got a defense that showed flashes last season, a young core that needs development, and a fanbase hungry for consistency. Evero brings a defensive identity, a track record of player development, and a calm, steady presence that could be just what this franchise needs.
He also brings familiarity - not just with the Raiders organization, but with the AFC West. Having coached in Denver and interviewed with Las Vegas, he knows the division well, and that insight could be invaluable as the Raiders look to close the gap on the Chiefs and Chargers.
With a second interview now complete, Evero has positioned himself as a serious contender. Whether he ultimately lands the job remains to be seen, but one thing’s clear: the Raiders are doing their homework, and Evero is very much in the conversation.
Stay tuned - this coaching search is just heating up.