Dave Canales expects Ejiro Evero back as Panthers’ defensive coordinator

Dave Canales has his work cut out for him as he takes over the Carolina Panthers as head coach. That job gets a little easier, though, based on the latest regarding the future of DC Ejiro Evero with the franchise.

Canales spoke about Evero during his introductory press conference with the Panthers on Thursday. His expectation is that Evero will be back as Carolina’s defensive coordinator as a member of his staff.

“Oh my gosh, just the respect factor I have,” said Canales in reference to Evero as a division foe. “It was really difficult for me for years.”

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

Evero just completed his first season as the defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers. This came after one campaign in the same role with the Denver Broncos. In total, he has a decade and a half of experience in the league with other stops with the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay, San Francisco, and Tampa Bay.

In 2023, the Panthers’ defense finished 29th in the NFL by allowing 24.5 points per game.