The Pittsburgh Steelers have been handed an intriguing opportunity following a significant coaching decision by the Carolina Panthers. On Friday, Carolina fired their defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero after another disappointing performance against the Green Bay Packers. While Pittsburgh has its own defensive coordinator in Patrick Graham, Evero's sudden availability deserves attention. His connections to Mike McCarthy and Jalen Ramsey make this situation particularly fascinating.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stands alongside General Manager Omar Khan as the two watch the team practice during 2026 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
The Panthers dismissed Evero following Thursday's 27-19 loss to Green Bay, which dropped Carolina to 3-4. Defensive Passing Game Coordinator Jonathan Cooley was also fired, while Defensive Line Coach Todd Wash was promoted to interim coordinator. The decision ended Evero's tenure after he joined the organization in 2023. However, his previous coaching experience could make him an attractive addition elsewhere.
NFL insider Albert Breer addressed the decision Friday and suggested Evero might not remain unemployed for long. Breer specifically mentioned the Los Angeles Rams as a possible landing spot, highlighting how highly regarded Evero remains despite Carolina's struggles. His assessment should also get Pittsburgh's attention.
"Ejiro Evero's dismissal is interesting following the Panthers' loss last night," Breer wrote. "He's well thought of, and I wouldn't be shocked if someone (Rams?) brings him in for the rest of season."
Breer's comments introduce an interesting possibility for the Steelers, even though he did not report any interest from Pittsburgh. Evero has already worked with McCarthy, spending the 2016 season as a defensive quality control coach with the Packers. McCarthy was Green Bay's head coach at the time, giving the two an established professional connection. That familiarity could make an initial conversation easier than it would be with an unfamiliar coaching candidate.
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Steelers' Mike McCarthy walks off of the playing surface at Acrisure Stadium after his first win as head coach in Pittsburgh.
The connection to Ramsey is equally noteworthy. Evero coached the Rams' secondary from 2017 through 2021, overlapping with Ramsey after the cornerback arrived in Los Angeles during the 2019 season. Their time together culminated in a Super Bowl championship following the 2021 campaign. Evero served as the Rams' secondary coach and passing game coordinator that season, giving him valuable experience working with championship-level defensive talent.
Those relationships make Evero an interesting potential addition to Graham's defensive staff. Pittsburgh has invested heavily in its defense, and bringing another experienced coordinator into the building could offer additional perspectives. The Steelers would not necessarily need to change their existing structure to benefit from someone familiar with multiple defensive systems.
Steelers Could Explore Awesome Opportunity With Ejiro Evero
Another important detail involves Pittsburgh's recent head coaching search. Evero interviewed for the Steelers' vacancy earlier this year before the organization ultimately hired McCarthy. That means Pittsburgh's leadership has already evaluated his qualifications and spoken with him about its football operation. Whether those conversations could lead to another opportunity remains unknown.
Evero also brings substantial experience beyond his championship season in Los Angeles. He became the Denver Broncos' defensive coordinator in 2022 before taking the same position with Carolina the following year. His background includes developing defensive backs, coordinating coverage and overseeing entire defensive units. Those responsibilities could make him useful in a consulting or advisory capacity.
Still, his departure from Carolina cannot be ignored. The Panthers struggled defensively this season, allowing 27.6 points per game through their first seven contests. Their difficulties against the run became particularly concerning, contributing to the decision to make a change. Pittsburgh would need to evaluate those shortcomings rather than assume Evero's previous accomplishments guarantee immediate improvement.
There is also no indication that Graham's position is threatened. Any potential arrangement would require agreement among McCarthy, Graham, Evero and the organization. Hiring an experienced coach sounds appealing, but establishing clear responsibilities would be essential to making such a move worthwhile.
The Steelers should at least consider whether Evero could strengthen their defensive operation. His familiarity with McCarthy, history with Ramsey and previous interview in Pittsburgh create connections that are difficult to overlook. However, there is a meaningful difference between recognizing an opportunity and knowing whether the organization intends to pursue it.
Whether Pittsburgh explores bringing Evero into the organization remains to be seen. Nevertheless, Breer's comments make the situation worth monitoring, particularly given Evero's existing relationships with McCarthy and Ramsey. Carolina's latest decision could ultimately have implications for the Steelers, even if those implications amount to nothing more than an opportunity Pittsburgh chooses not to pursue.
Should the Pittsburgh Steelers pursue Ejiro Evero as an addition to Patrick Graham's coaching staff? Share your thoughts with me on X at @anthonyghalkias.
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