Broncos notebook: Ejiro Evero not worried about coaching candidacy; teammates back Russell Wilson
Dec. 29—ENGLEWOOD — The Broncos' next coach could already be in Denver.
Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is a candidate for the team's opening, after Nathaniel Hackett was fired on Monday. General manager George Paton and owner and CEO Greg Penner said Tuesday they hope to interview Evero for the job. Though, Evero has not given it much thought.
"That's always an ambition of most coaches — strive to be in that position," Evero said Thursday. "But I'm not worried about that right now. Right now, I'm fully invested in this team. We have two more games."
Evero was offered the interim head coach position, but turned it down, wanting to remain the defensive coordinator.
"At the end of the day this isn't really a situation any of us wanted to be in," Evero said. "We just all agreed that the best thing for this team moving forward was for me to work with the defense."
Evero has impressed teams around the league in his first year as a defensive coordinator, helping Denver become one of the top defenses in the NFL. He's sure to draw interest from multiple teams searching for a new coach, not just the Broncos.
And those who have played for and coached alongside him this season, say he's more than qualified for that opportunity.
"He's one of the best leaders I have been around," safety Justin Simmons said. "I think it speaks volumes to the testament — obviously, you can't take away last week's game, but minus that game — of the way that the defense has answered the bell. Obviously, there is tremendous talent, player-wise, on the defense, but I always think that speaks volumes to leadership and the way that your guys respond to some adversity. I felt like all the of the year for the most part, guys have responded in a really positive manner.
I think that's because of 'Coach E.' Like I said, I think he's one of the brightest minds I've been around and one of the best leaders. I think he would be at the top of the list for that."
If Evero were to land the Broncos job, it would certainly be a little awkward for him replacing Hackett. The two are not only close on the field, but best friends off it. They were college roommates at UC Davis and were in each other's weddings.
That's why this week has been extra tough on Evero and why replacing Hackett — if given the opportunity — might be a more difficult choice than some realize.
"It's been hard. First overall, he's a great friend. He's family. I hold him in high regard and more so, not just a friend and family, he's a hell of a coach. And I think he did a great job here. There were a lot of adverse situations and things that didn't work our way. But at the end of the day, this is what we signed up for and we have to live with the consequences when we have these type of results.
"But there are very few people, beside my wife, in this world that I respect more."
