Panters Fire Defensive Coordinator After Loss to Packers

The Carolina Panthers ended their tenure with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero on Friday morning.

The decision came immediately after the team lost 27-19 to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Evero joins a short list of coordinators dismissed this season, marking the first major coaching change for head coach Dave Canales since he arrived in 2024.

The Panthers currently hold a 3-4 record and rank last in the league against the run. Under Evero, the defense has allowed 200 rushing yards in 12 games since 2024, a total that far exceeds the next closest teams, the New York Giants and Washington Commanders, both of which allowed six such games.

Recent losses have highlighted specific vulnerabilities. Chicago Bears rushed for 291 yards and six touchdowns in Week 1, while Tampa Bay gained 258 yards and three touchdowns in the previous week. The unit has also struggled without starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, with backup Akayleb Evans moving to injured reserve earlier this week.

Evero signed a contract extension through the 2027 season in January. He had previously led the defense to a 16th-place ranking in 2025, though the team finished last in points allowed in 2024. Jonathan Cooley, the defensive passing game coordinator, was also let go in the same move.

Todd Wash, the defensive line coach, will serve as the interim defensive coordinator. He brings 31 years of coaching experience, including 20 in the NFL and five seasons as a coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. AC Carter will take over the defensive line duties, and Renaldo Hill will continue to manage the secondary. Canales is scheduled to speak on the changes later on Friday.