The Falcons are preparing to move forward in the search for their next head coach. So far, Atlanta has interviewed 13 candidates to replace Arthur Smith and still plan to interview former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel this Wednesday. Despite Vrabel’s impending interview, Atlanta has begun the process of reaching out for second interviews. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero is one of the candidates moving on to the second round of interviews.

Evero was a popular candidate for open head coaching jobs last year following an impressive season coaching the Broncos defense. He interviewed with the Panthers and Broncos, made it to second interviews with the Texans and Colts, and was considered a potential finalist for the Cardinals job before eventually accepting the Panthers defensive coordinator job under Frank Reich. Under Evero, the Panthers went from 22nd in yards allowed in 2022 to fourth in 2023, only furthering many teams’ desires to see him as a head coach.

So far this year, Evero has interviewed for the Falcons, Panthers, and Seahawks open head coaching gigs. He continues to impress on the interview circuit as both Seattle and Carolina have invited Evero back for second interviews. With Atlanta joining the club, the 43-year-old defensive coordinator is batting 1.000 on getting second interviews this offseason.

The Falcons requested interviews with at least 14 candidates, that we know of. New Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce is the only one who hasn’t been confirmed to have interviewed. As we mentioned above, Vrabel is still awaiting his first interview. Besides those two, former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, Bills interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, and 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks have all conducted interviews with the Falcons.

Of all those candidates, Belichick, Callahan, and Harbaugh join Evero as candidates who will receive a second interview. Rumors have named Belichick as a favorite for the position, but Atlanta may be tempted to go with a newer up-and-coming name like Callahan or Evero. There could still be weeks to go as several candidates will be in the playoffs for at least another week, but count Evero as one of the candidates moving forward for the next round of interviews.