- The Carolina Panthers dismissed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley following a 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
- Defensive line coach Todd Wash has been elevated to interim defensive coordinator and will take over play-calling responsibilities.
- Head coach Dave Canales made the staff overhaul after Carolina fell to 3-4 on the season, with the unit ranking last in the NFL against the run.
Carolina Panthers Overhaul Defensive Staff Following Loss to Packers
The Carolina Panthers have initiated significant leadership changes across their defensive coaching staff following a 27-19 Thursday night loss to the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Dave Canales determined that a new strategic direction was necessary, officially parting ways with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley on Friday.
The dismissals come at a critical juncture for Carolina, which dropped to a 3-4 record on the season. Persistent struggles on defense—specifically an inability to halt opposing rushing attacks—accelerated the front office and coaching staff’s urgency to intervene. Entering the matchup, the Panthers were ranked 22nd in total defense across the league and held the NFL’s worst statistical ranking against the run. Their defensive vulnerabilities were highlighted once again during Thursday’s defeat, where Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw for 288 yards, completing 30 of 41 passes for three touchdowns and one interception.
Personnel Depletion and Defensive Lineup Challenges
In addition to schematic difficulties, the Panthers’ defensive unit has been challenged by an accumulation of injuries across the roster, particularly within the secondary. Starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson have missed recent contests, limiting Carolina’s coverage schemes and depth.
The team’s secondary challenges worsened earlier in the week when backup cornerback Akayleb Evans was placed on injured reserve. The resulting roster depletion left defensive coaches with diminished personnel groupings to counter opposing passing schemes, culminating in Green Bay’s efficient aerial performance on Thursday night.
Dave Canales Explains Defensive Reset and Todd Wash Promotion
Addressing the coaching moves, Dave Canales noted that the decision resulted from a comprehensive analysis of Carolina’s game-day execution and the outlook for the remainder of the schedule.
There’s just collecting a lot of information over the course of our time that really led to the decision,
Canales stated. Ultimately—when I look at how many games we have in front of us, the position we’re at in the division and really just wanted to get the most out of our guys.
Canales continued: And really, making that decision, I take that responsibility very seriously as the head coach, and I know it’s my responsibility to put the players in a position where they feel confident, where they feel ready to go.
Following the departures, defensive line coach Todd Wash steps into the role of interim defensive coordinator and will take over defensive play-calling duties. Wash offers extensive pedigree, possessing 31 years of total football coaching experience, including two decades in the NFL. Wash originally arrived in Carolina in 2023 after a five-year tenure as defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, which was highlighted in 2017 when his unit finished second in the NFL and reached the AFC Championship Game.
In corresponding staff adjustments, outside linebackers coach and run game specialist AC Carter will take on expanded duties overseeing the defensive line. Secondary coach Renaldo Hill remains in place to guide the defensive backs. Canales confirmed that team owner David Tepper and general manager Dan Morgan were consulted prior to executing the midseason changes.
Why This Matters
The dismissal of Ejiro Evero represents a major midseason pivot for the Carolina Panthers as the franchise attempts to stay competitive in divisional play. Sitting at 3-4, the front office determined that lingering at the bottom of the league in run defense could not be tolerated if the team hopes to salvage its campaign. By handing the reins to an experienced coordinator in Todd Wash, Carolina aims to simplify its defensive approach, stabilize a battered secondary, and restore physical play along the defensive front before postseason contention slips out of reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Carolina Panthers fire Ejiro Evero?
Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley were relieved of their duties following consistent defensive issues, culminating in a 27-19 loss to Green Bay. Carolina held the league’s worst ranking against the run and ranked 22nd overall in total defense prior to the move.
Who is the new defensive coordinator for the Panthers?
Defensive line coach Todd Wash was promoted to interim defensive coordinator. He will call defensive plays going forward. Wash previously coordinated the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense from 2016 through 2020.
Were Panthers team executives involved in the coaching decision?
Yes. Head coach Dave Canales confirmed that he consulted team owner David Tepper and general manager Dan Morgan before making the staff dismissals official.
