NFL Coaching Change: Panthers Sack Two Coordinators

The Carolina Panthers have dismissed their defensive coordinator and passing game specialist following a loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Carolina (3-4) lost 27-19 on Thursday night. The team fired Ejiro Evero and Jonathan Cooley on Friday. This is the first time an NFL defensive coordinator has been let go this season.

Defensive line coach Todd Wash will serve as the interim defensive coordinator. He will call defensive plays for the team. Wash has coached for 31 years, including 20 in the NFL. He previously spent five seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Panthers' defense ranked 22nd in the league entering this week. They allowed the most rushing yards in the NFL. Since 2024, Evero's units have given up 200 rushing yards in 12 games. The next closest teams, the New York Giants and Washington Commanders, allowed such performances six times each.

The team struggled against the run in recent losses. Chicago rushed for 291 yards and six touchdowns in Week 1. Tampa Bay gained 258 yards and three touchdowns on the ground last week. Green Bay's Jordan Love completed 30 of 41 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns in the win over Carolina.

Injuries have complicated the situation for the secondary. Starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson have been absent recently. Backup Akayleb Evans joined them on injured reserve earlier this week.

General Manager Dan Morgan signed Evero to a contract extension in January. That deal runs through the 2027 season. Evero was hired in 2023, one year before Dave Canales became head coach. The Panthers finished last in the league in defense and points allowed in 2024. They improved to 16th in defense and 15th in points allowed last season. Outside linebackers coach AC Carter will also coach the defensive line. Secondary coach Renaldo Hill will continue to oversee the defensive backs. Canales is expected to address the changes later Friday.