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Report: Sean Payton, Broncos Let DC Ejiro Evero out of Contract to Pursue Other Jobs
February 5, 2023
The Denver Broncos allowed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero out of his contract as he seeks other opportunities around the NFL, per Jeff Legwold of ESPN.
Evero interviewed for the Broncos head coaching position before the team decided to hire Sean Payton. Evero discussed with Payton about staying on the staff, per Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle, but he will instead head elsewhere even with two years remaining on his contract.
Legwold noted Evero interviewed for head coach openings with the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals that remain open.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network also reported he is considered a "strong candidate" for the Minnesota Vikings opening at defensive coordinator.
Evero spent two years on the same Los Angeles Rams staff as current Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell. The pair helped the Rams win the Super Bowl after the 2021 season, with Evero serving as the defensive passing game coordinator and secondary coach.
Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer also reported mutual interest with the Carolina Panthers to become their defensive coordinator after he interviewed for the head coach vacancy.
In 2022, Evero was the Broncos defensive coordinator and led a unit that ranked seventh in total yards allowed and 14th in points allowed per game. The defense had been among the league's best to start the year, holding opponents to under 20 points in eight of the first nine games. The overall numbers were skewed by a late-season collapse as the squad struggled to a 5-12 record.
The 42-year-old is considered one of the top rising coaches in the NFL and could land a new position before too long.
Denver, meanwhile, has interviewed Pittsburgh Steelers linebackers coach Brian Flores and Seattle Seahawks associate head coach Sean Desai for the defensive coordinator job, per Legwold.