Carolina Panthers complete three head coaching interviews

The Carolina Panthers completed three more interviews on Thursday for the open head coaching job in Charlotte. The team interviewed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, as well as Ravens offensive and defensive coordinators, Todd Monken and Mike Macdonald.

Virtual interviews are underway this week for coaches whose teams are either out of the postseason or on a playoff bye. The virtual interviews with coaches who are playing in this weekend’s Wild Card round can begin next week, at least three days after their team plays. In-person interviews only begin on Jan. 22.

The Panthers have already completed a first-round interview with their interim head coach Chris Tabor. Tabor’s virtual interview was on Wednesday, the team shared. After taking over the interim job following Frank Reich’s 1-10 start, the special team’s coordinator led the team to just one more victory – a 9-7 win over the Falcons.

Evero has been a popular target so far after helping the Panthers defense finish fourth overall this season in total defense. He will also interview for the open head coach position with the Atlanta Falcons, however, the Panthers have denied the Jacksonville Jaguars’ request to interview him for their open defensive coordinator job.

Baltimore Ravens coordinators Todd Monken and Mike Macdonald are also lining up more interviews this week. Monken will reportedly talk to the L.A. Chargers, while Macdonald interviews with the Falcons, Titans, Commanders and Chargers. The Baltimore offense and defense finished the 2023 regular season as the No. 4-ranked scoring offense and No. 1 overall scoring defense. With a 13-4 record, the Ravens have the No. 1 seed in the AFC for the playoffs, which grants them a bye this week.

Carolina Panthers also conducting GM interviews

On Wednesday, the team shared that they will interview two internal candidates for the GM role – assistant GM Dan Morgan and vice president of football administration Samir Suleiman.

Morgan, the Panthers’ first-round pick in 2001, helped lead the team to the Super Bowl after the 2003 season. He worked in the Seahawks’ and Bills’ front offices before returning to Carolina in 2021. 

As for Suleiman, it won’t be his first swing at the top job in Charlotte. He also interviewed for the GM job in 2021. He currently oversees the team’s salary cap strategy and contract negotiations. Suleiman joined the franchise after an eight-year stint with the Steelers. He has also worked for the Rams and Jaguars.