Panthers reportedly block Jaguars’ request to interview Ejiro Evero

The first name connected with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive coordinator vacancy never made it through the front door. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Jaguars’ request to interview Ejiro Evero for the job was blocked by the Carolina Panthers.

Evero, 43, is a fast rising coach who was the Los Angeles Rams’ passing game coordinator in 2021 and the Denver Broncos’ defensive coordinator in 2022. He interviewed for five head coaching vacancies in 2023 before choosing to join the Panthers as defensive coordinator.

While the Panthers fired head coach Frank Reich in November during a season that ended with a 2-15 record, the Carolina defense managed to allow the fourth fewest yards of offense in 2023.

According to Fowler, the Panthers intend to interview Evero for their head coaching vacancy.

What isn’t clear for now is whether Evero would stay with the Panthers if the team hires a different head coach. Despite the Broncos allowing the seventh fewest yards in 2022 and Evero interviewing for their head coaching vacancy, he left the team after Sean Payton was hired. It’s possible that situation will repeat itself in Carolina.

The Jaguars finished the 2023 season No. 22 in the NFL in yards allowed and fired defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell, along with several other defensive coaches, earlier this week.