CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is among several coaches expected to have a second interview for the Carolina Panthers head coaching vacancy this week, according to multiple reports.
Evero and Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan will have second interviews this week, NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported. Evero has been Carolina's defensive coordinator for one season after being Denver's defensive coordinator in 2022. Prior to that, he spent time with the Rams, Packers and 49ers. He was among the first candidates to interview with the Panthers during virtual interviews in early January.
Despite a plethora of injuries and shortcomings on the offensive side, Evero's defense finished fourth in the NFL in total yards and was third in passing yards allowed. The Atlanta Falcons have also requested a second interview with Evero for their head coaching vacancy.
Callahan has quickly risen up coaching boards during the interview process. The son of former NFL head coach Bill Callahan, Brian Callahan has been with the Bengals since 2019, serving as the offensive coordinator under head coach Zac Taylor and has been a key player in the development of quarterback Joe Burrow.
Bengals writer Joe Goodberry recently posted on X that Callahan helped Burrow's transition to the NFL by bringing a lot of his college offense to the pros and saw early results.
"The players love him," Goodberry wrote. "He understands them and knows what to do to reset them and get everyone on board again."
Callahan isn't the play caller for the Bengals, but Goodberry downplayed that, saying Callahan is critical to Cincinnati's game-planning, offensive development and adjustments.
Other candidates who have interviewed with the Panthers include Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Baltimore coordinators Todd Monken and Mike Macdonald, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, interim head coach Chris Tabor, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
Tepper is also looking to hire a new general manager after Scott Fitterer's firing at the end of the season. Assistant general manager Dan Morgan is believed to be among the leading candidates as he's reportedly interviewed twice for the job. It's unclear if a general manager will be hired before the head coach or if the new general manager will have any say on the next coach.
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