“Will Be a Head Coach One Day”: Jalen Ramsey Praises the Carolina Panthers’ Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero

The NFL is a league built on talent, but sustained success often hinges on coaching. While quarterbacks, edge rushers, and star cornerbacks like Jalen Ramsey dominate headlines, the minds behind the scenes shape the true identity of a football team. That’s why when a player of Ramsey’s caliber speaks glowingly about a coach, it carries weight—especially when he predicts that coach will one day be leading his own team.

In a recent podcast appearance, Miami Dolphins All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey delivered high praise for Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, calling him “one of the smartest minds in football” and boldly asserting: “He will be a head coach one day. No doubt about it.”

Coming from one of the league’s most respected defenders, Ramsey’s endorsement of Evero offers a revealing glimpse into the reputation the Panthers’ defensive coordinator has built throughout the NFL. And while Carolina is undergoing a rebuild with rookie quarterback Bryce Young and a retooled coaching staff, Evero represents one of the few stabilizing forces—a coach whose résumé, philosophy, and player relationships are fast-tracking him toward the top job.

The Roots of a Rising Star

Born in Colchester, England and raised in Southern California, Ejiro Evero’s path to NFL prominence has been anything but typical. After playing safety at UC Davis, Evero had a brief stint in the NFL as a player with the Raiders before transitioning to coaching. His coaching journey began with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2007, and over the next decade, he worked his way through various roles—learning under coaching legends like Vic Fangio, Dom Capers, and Wade Phillips.

But it was with the Los Angeles Rams that Evero made his mark. Joining Sean McVay’s staff in 2017, Evero climbed the ranks and ultimately served as the team’s secondary coach and passing game coordinator. During the Rams’ Super Bowl run in 2021, he played a critical role in crafting a defense that could shift seamlessly from bend-but-don’t-break zone concepts to press-man aggression—ideal for stars like Jalen Ramsey.

Ramsey often credits Evero for enhancing his versatility and understanding of modern NFL offenses. “He doesn’t just know Xs and Os,” Ramsey said. “He knows players—what makes them tick, what makes us better. He challenges us.”

After the Super Bowl, Evero was hired as defensive coordinator by the Denver Broncos in 2022, where his work quickly drew praise despite an underwhelming season for the team overall. Under his direction, Denver’s defense ranked in the top 10 in several key categories, including passing yards allowed and red zone efficiency.

When the Carolina Panthers came calling in 2023, it was seen as a major coup to land Evero—especially amid growing buzz that he was nearing head coach consideration elsewhere.

Carolina’s Defensive Foundation

The 2023 season was difficult for the Panthers overall, but Evero’s defense remained one of the bright spots. Despite injuries and an offense that often put them in tough situations, Carolina’s defense showed noticeable structure and development.

They finished the season third in total defense, allowing just 292 yards per game. Their pass defense ranked second overall, giving up only 171 yards through the air per contest—despite losing top cornerback Jaycee Horn for stretches of the season. The defensive line, led by Brian Burns and Derrick Brown, flourished in Evero’s scheme, blending aggressive front-four pass rush with disciplined gap integrity.

“I think it’s rare to see a team struggle so much on offense and still have a defense that never quits,” said former NFL coach Eric Mangini on FS1. “That’s a sign of great leadership, and Evero has that in spades.”

Veterans like Shaq Thompson praised Evero’s ability to adjust on the fly and communicate effectively with both seasoned players and rookies. “He never treats anyone like they don’t belong. Everyone’s opinion matters. And he coaches with vision,” Thompson told reporters late in the 2023 season.

Ramsey’s Endorsement: More Than Just Words

Ramsey’s recent endorsement of Evero is more than just offseason chatter. It speaks to the growing belief among NFL insiders that Evero is on the fast track to becoming a head coach—possibly as soon as the 2026 season.

“When I played for him in L.A., I always felt like he saw the whole field, not just one side,” Ramsey said. “He thinks like a head coach. He handles people like a head coach. He’s got that energy that makes you want to play hard for him. That’s rare.”

It’s not the first time Ramsey has gone to bat for Evero. After the 2022 season, when Evero was interviewing for head coaching jobs, Ramsey tweeted his support publicly. “Whoever gets E as a head coach is getting one of the best leaders I’ve ever been around.”

That’s strong praise from a player who has worked under defensive minds like Wade Phillips, Raheem Morris, and Vic Fangio.

Coaching Philosophy: Versatility and Discipline

Evero’s defensive scheme is rooted in adaptability. He’s known for blending traditional zone concepts with matchup-based man coverage, allowing players to shift responsibilities based on game situations. He also emphasizes communication across all levels of the defense—especially between linebackers and safeties.

In Carolina, he has shown a willingness to tailor the scheme to personnel. With Derrick Brown developing into one of the NFL’s best interior disruptors and Brian Burns thriving off the edge, Evero built more five-man fronts and disguised pressures than in his Rams days.

“What makes him different is how well he studies the opponent’s tendencies,” said ESPN’s Mina Kimes. “You’ll see him call simulated pressures one week, then pivot to a heavy Cover 6 shell the next. He doesn’t have one scheme—he has solutions.”

According to sources within the Panthers organization, Evero has taken a strong interest in mentoring younger coaches on the staff as well, reinforcing his leadership qualities and long-term value. “He’s not just coaching for this year. He’s building a program,” said one anonymous team executive.

The Roadblocks to a Head Coaching Job

Despite his credentials, Evero has yet to land a head coaching job—a reality that speaks to the NFL’s often sluggish diversity progress in coaching ranks. Though he has interviewed with multiple teams, including the Colts and Texans, he has yet to break through.

There’s also the unfortunate pattern of top defensive coordinators being overlooked in favor of offensive minds due to the league’s quarterback-centric focus. “He’ll get there,” said one AFC GM. “But owners right now are still obsessed with pairing a QB with a so-called offensive genius.”

Still, with the Panthers likely heading into another year of development under new head coach Dave Canales, it wouldn’t be surprising if Evero’s unit once again outshines the offense—forcing league owners and GMs to take even closer notice.

Looking Ahead: Panthers’ 2025 Outlook

As the Panthers prepare for the 2025 season, Ejiro Evero remains one of the most valuable assets in the building. With new offensive leadership and second-year quarterback Bryce Young looking to turn the corner, Evero’s defense will be asked to keep the team competitive during a transition phase.

Carolina spent resources this offseason bolstering their defensive depth, adding a versatile linebacker in the draft and signing a veteran nickel corner to aid Evero’s coverage rotations. Jaycee Horn returns healthy, and Burns is entering a contract year—both factors that could produce a top-five defensive campaign if all goes well.

Evero has also been tapped to help develop the team’s future leadership pipeline. “He’s mentoring our assistants, helping them understand what it takes to be more than just a position coach,” said head coach Dave Canales. “He’s invaluable to our staff.”

Should the Panthers’ defense shine once again in 2025, Evero will undoubtedly be a top candidate for multiple head coaching vacancies come January. The foundation is there. The endorsement from stars like Jalen Ramsey is loud and clear. All that remains is the opportunity.

In a league where head coaching jobs are won through a mix of timing, results, and networking, Ejiro Evero has steadily checked every box. He’s been a key piece of a Super Bowl-winning team, orchestrated top-10 defenses in multiple organizations, and earned the trust and admiration of players at every level.

Jalen Ramsey’s belief that Evero will be a head coach isn’t just praise—it’s a prediction grounded in experience. Ramsey has seen the best and competed against them. That he singles out Evero as a future head coach says everything.

For now, Evero continues to build in Carolina. But make no mistake: his future is bright—and it’s only a matter of time before “Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero” becomes “Head Coach Ejiro Evero.”