Vikings could have top defensive coordinator candidate stolen from them

The Minnesota Vikings could lose top defensive coordinator target Ejiro Evero to another team.

With the Denver Broncos finally allowing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero to interview with other teams, the Minnesota Vikings could have their top candidate stolen right out from under them.

Given that the Broncos hired former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton off the FOX studio set, it was patently stupid that Denver would not let Evero interview with other teams. His defense was not the problem in Denver, but rather Nathaniel Hackett’s over-his-skis nature as head coach. It may be late in the cycle, but Evero has at least two suitors to be a coordinator for.

Evero will interview with the Vikings to replace Ed Donatell on Kevin O’Connell’s staff, as well as interview with the Carolina Panthers to be new head coach Frank Reich’s defensive coordinator.

CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported the Panthers’ interest in hiring Evero is very strong right now.

The other big name to watch here at this point in the hiring cycle would have to be Brian Flores.

Minnesota Vikings could lose Ejiro Evero to Carolina Panthers coordinator role

There a few reasons to keep close tabs on Flores as well as this point in the cycle. While it does not seem like he will be filling the Arizona Cardinals’ head-coaching vacancy, he is supposedly a finalist for the defensive coordinator role in Minnesota, as well as the one in Denver. It feels like it is between Flores and Evero in Minnesota, while either Flores or Sean Desai could get it in Denver.

Given that the Panthers were the first team to hire its next head coach in this cycle, you better believe Reich is doing his very best to build a staff that will not let him down like the one he previously had with the Indianapolis Colts, who have still not appropriately replaced him! If the Panthers get Evero and Flores goes to Denver, then that means Minnesota will have to regroup…

Ultimately, Minnesota remains one of the better teams in the NFC, but a major regression candidate as well. The Vikings will have to play a first-place schedule after having massively overachieved under a first-year head coach. Keep in mind that Minnesota had point differential concerns throughout all of last season. Hence, this is why they are having to replace Donatell.

This will all get sorted out after the Super Bowl reaches its conclusion only a week from Sunday.