Ejiro Evero says no to Vikings, joining Panthers instead

Believed to be the top defensive coordinator candidate for the Minnesota Vikings, Ejiro Evero is joining the Carolina Panthers instead.

On Saturday, the Minnesota Vikings got some great news when it was revealed that the Denver Broncos released defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero from his contract. The Vikings were expected to interview him for their defensive coordinator opening within the next few days, but unfortunately, that’s not going to happen now, thanks to the Carolina Panthers.

On Sunday, it was announced that the Panthers are reportedly hiring Evero to be the team’s new defensive coordinator, according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.

With Ejiro Evero joining the Carolina Panthers, what’s next for the Minnesota Vikings search for a new defensive coordinator?

With Evero joining Carolina’s coaching staff and Sean Desai recently pulling himself out of consideration to be Minnesota’s next defensive coordinator, who’s left for the Vikings to hire?

Two of the candidates that Minnesota has already interviewed for the opening, Brian Flores and Mike Pettine, are still available. Flores is believed to be a “strong candidate” for the Vikings’ vacancy, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

Other possibilities for the job might include Steve Wilks, Vance Joseph, Gus Bradley, and Jim Leonhard.

Stay tuned as Minnesota’s search for a new defensive coordinator continues. With the way things have gone already, it’s anyone’s guess as to who the Vikings will choose to replace Ed Donatell for the 2023 season.