New Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales said he expects Ejiro Evero to return as defensive coordinator.

Evero, 43, just finished his first season with the Panthers and interviewed for the head coaching vacancies during this cycle with the Panthers, Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons.

Evero is said to be under consideration for the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator vacancy. The Panthers reportedly blocked an interview request from the New York Giants for their DC position.

Canales was asked about Evero’s situation on Thursday and called him “a huge piece of what we’re doing.”

Evero joined then-coach Frank Reich’s staff in Carolina last season after serving as the defensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos in 2022.

Before joining the Broncos under former head coach Nathaniel Hackett, Evero was an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Rams (2017-21), Packers (2016), San Francisco 49ers (2011-15) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2007-09).

–Field Level Media