As the Green Bay Packers navigate the current NFL season with Joe Barry as their defensive coordinator, speculation is rife about a potential replacement waiting in the wings. If Head Coach Matt LaFleur is considering a change at the end of the season, his gaze may fall upon the Carolina Panthers’ defensive coordinator, Ejiro Evero, who is set to be on the opposing sideline during this week’s game.
Evero, a rising star in the coaching profession, joined the Panthers under new coach Frank Reich earlier in the year. However, with Reich’s recent firing, Evero becomes a candidate for the permanent head coaching position in Carolina. If not selected for this role, he remains a strong contender for various defensive coordinator positions across the league.
Having previously worked with Barry during their time with the Los Angeles Rams, Evero could bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the Packers’ defensive scheme. This continuity could enable a seamless transition into the 2024 season, providing LaFleur with an attractive option, particularly if he seeks a more aggressive defensive approach than Barry has implemented.
Evero, who played safety at UC Davis and briefly competed for a roster spot with the Raiders in 2004, embarked on his coaching career at his alma mater. His initial NFL experience came as a defensive quality-control coach for the Buccaneers from 2007 to 2009.
In 2016, Evero joined the Green Bay Packers under then-defensive coordinator Dom Capers. His association with LaFleur began in 2017 when they both joined the Rams’ coaching staff alongside Barry. The Rams went on to win the Super Bowl in 2019, further solidifying Evero’s coaching credentials.
Despite Evero’s success, coaching stints have seen frequent changes for him. After the 2020 season, LaFleur hired Barry as the Packers’ defensive coordinator. Simultaneously, Evero was promoted by Rams head coach Sean McVay to secondary coach and defensive passing game coordinator. The Rams clinched the Super Bowl that season.
In 2022, Evero moved to the Denver Broncos as defensive coordinator under Nathaniel Hackett. However, Hackett’s short-lived tenure in Denver led Evero to reunite with Reich in Carolina for the 2023 season.
Although the Panthers currently hold a 2-12 record, Evero’s defensive unit stands out statistically as one of the best in the NFL. Capers, who previously worked with Evero, highlighted the coach’s direct and relatable communication style, stating that the team appreciates his consistency and approach.
Comparing defensive performances, Green Bay has struggled under Barry’s leadership despite a roster comprising eight first-round picks and two high-profile veteran acquisitions. In contrast, Carolina’s defense, featuring a mix of first-round picks, second-round picks, and undrafted free agents, ranks favorably in various categories, such as yards per play, rushing per play, passing per play, and third-down efficiency.
Evero emphasizes the importance of player collaboration in building a successful defense. He attributes his coaching philosophy to prioritizing the players’ strengths and creating a purposeful approach, reinforcing that the defense belongs to the entire team.
As the Packers contemplate potential changes in their coaching staff, Evero’s presence on the Panthers’ sideline adds intrigue to the narrative, raising the possibility of a promising new era for Green Bay’s defense under his leadership.
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