Report: Evero to return as Panthers DC under Canales

Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will return to Carolina in the same role under new head coach Dave Canales, a source told ESPN's David Newton.

Evero had head coaching interviews with the Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, and Seattle Seahawks this hiring cycle. He also had teams interested in hiring him as a DC.

A lateral move to another team would've needed the approval of the Panthers, who signed Evero to a new three-year contract in 2023, according to The Athletic's Joe Person.

"This is really important for me," Canales said of potentially keeping Evero, according to Person. "Especially as a first-time head coach who's like, 'I'm here to make sure we get our football right.'"

The Panthers gave up the fourth-fewest yards last season but finished 29th in points allowed while playing alongside the worst offense in the league.

Evero was the Denver Broncos' defensive coordinator in 2022, and the unit finished seventh in yards allowed and 14th in scoring defense. He previously coached as an assistant for the Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, and San Francisco 49ers.

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