Panthers Replace Defensive Coordinator After Loss to Packers
Carolina fired Ejiro Evero and Jonathan Cooley on Friday, citing a 27-19 defeat and a league-worst run defense.
By James Brooks ·
The Carolina Panthers replaced their defensive leadership on Friday following a 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.
The team dismissed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley. This move makes Evero the first NFL coordinator to be fired this season. Head coach Dave Canales, who has been with the franchise since 2024, had not previously made a major coaching change.
Carolina enters the week with a 3-4 record and ranks 22nd in overall defense. The team sits last in the league against the run. Since 2024, Evero’s defenses have allowed 200 rushing yards in 12 games, a league-high total. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders are next, with six games each in that span. The Panthers allowed 291 rushing yards and six touchdowns in a Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. They also gave up 258 rushing yards and three touchdowns to Tampa Bay last week.
Evero was hired in 2023 and runs a mixed 3-4 and 4-3 defensive scheme. General manager Dan Morgan announced a contract extension through the 2027 season in January. The Panthers finished last in the league in points allowed in 2024 but improved to 15th in that category last season. Defensive injuries have also affected performance, as the team has played recent games without starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Backup cornerback Akayleb Evans was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week.
Jordan Love led the Packers in the win, completing 30 of 41 passes for 288 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Defensive line coach Todd Wash will serve as the interim defensive coordinator and call plays. Wash joined the staff in 2023 and brings 31 years of coaching experience, including 20 in the NFL. He previously served as the defensive coordinator for Jacksonville, where the team had the second-ranked defense in 2017. Outside linebackers coach AC Carter will add defensive line duties to his responsibilities, while secondary coach Renaldo Hill will continue to manage the defensive backs.
Canales is scheduled to speak about the personnel changes later Friday.
