Seattle Seahawks associate defensive coach Sean Desai. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Who could be the Broncos top DC replacement?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 2/5/23

Seattle associate head coach Sean Desai might be Denver's top defensive coordinator candidate after Ejiro Evero's departure.

Per ESPN's Jeff Legwold, the Broncos released Evero from his contract on Saturday, so he could pursue other jobs. Carolina hired Evero as its DC on Sunday.

However, the Broncos prepared for his departure, already interviewing Desai and Steelers LB coach Brian Flores, according to Legwold.

Desai might be the more likely hire since he shares a connection with Sean Payton, and Flores has other options.

Flores is the Vikings' top DC candidate, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

Per Mike Klis of KUSA-TV in Denver, former Broncos HC and Bears DC Vic Fangio recommended Denver to Desai, who worked under Fangio in Chicago from 2015-18.

Not only have Broncos requested interview for Seattle associate HC Sean Desai for DC but Desai has withdrawn from consideration for MIN DC job, per source.
Desai interviewed w/Vikings last wk. Wants to concentrate on DEN. Vic Fangio recommended Denver to Desai. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) February 3, 2023

Before Miami hired Fangio, he was reportedly on a staff Payton assembled for his coaching return. Payton may give Desai an opportunity since he's a Fangio disciple.

Despite Denver's strong consideration of Desai, he's an unproven commodity. The 39-year-old assistant only possesses one year of DC experience in Chicago.

Additionally, mixed performances characterized his defense. In 2021, Chicago ranked sixth in yards allowed but ranked 22nd in points allowed.

However, Desai might succeed in Denver because it ranked seventh in yards allowed and has young, rising stars, including 22-year-old Pro Bowl CB Patrick Surtain II.

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