Carolina Panthers Fire Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero After Slow Start

The Carolina Panthers dismissed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley following a 3-4 start to the season. The organization confirmed the coaching changes, which come in the wake of a 27-19 home loss to the Green Bay Packers on a Thursday night.

Head coach Dave Canales moved swiftly to alter his defensive staff after the team's second consecutive loss. Defensive line coach Todd Wash has been named the interim defensive coordinator and will take over play-calling duties for the remainder of the campaign. Wash brings extensive experience to the role, having previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2016 to 2020.

Evero arrived in Carolina in February 2023 under former head coach Frank Reich and was retained when Canales took over the helm in 2024. Although he was widely regarded as a promising defensive mind and signed a contract extension through the 2027 season this past January, his units struggled to gain consistent momentum over four years, never finishing higher than 15th in points allowed.

The decision to part ways with Evero followed mounting struggles on the field, compounded by a severe wave of injuries that decimated the team's secondary and pass-rushing depth. Key starters including Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson landed on the injured reserve list, while rookie Will Lee III suffered a hamstring injury during the recent game against Green Bay. Additional long-term absences, such as pass rusher Nic Scourton tearing his ACL before training camp, left the unit severely depleted.

Despite these personnel challenges and a tough defensive hand, team leadership opted for a drastic mid-season shakeup. The Panthers entered their matchup against Green Bay ranking low in several major defensive metrics, including 27th in points allowed per game, 22nd in total yards allowed, and 32nd against the rush.

Alongside the promotion of Wash, the team announced auxiliary adjustments within the defensive staff. Outside linebackers coach AC Carter will take on added responsibilities coaching the defensive line, while Renaldo Hill will remain in charge of the defensive backs.

With the team's grip on the NFC South slipping amid back-to-back losses, Wash faces the immediate challenge of stabilizing the defense without a full preparation window. The effectiveness of the coaching change will be tested quickly as the Panthers navigate the remainder of their regular season schedule.