Panthers fire defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero after 27-19 Packers loss

The Carolina Panthers dismissed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley on Friday. The decision followed a 27-19 defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Evero is the first NFL coordinator to be let go this season.

Carolina sits at 3-4 with a record that ranks 22nd in overall defense. The team is last in the league against the run. Evero has been with the organization since 2023, joining one year before Dave Canales became head coach. The Panthers finished last in the league in defense and points allowed during the 2024 season. Last year, the team improved to 16th in defensive ranking and 15th in points allowed.

The Green Bay offense dominated the recent matchup. Jordan Love completed 30 of 41 passes for 288 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The Panthers have faced injuries to their defensive backfield recently. Starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson have been out, and backup Akayleb Evans was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week.

Evero ran a mixed 3-4 and 4-3 scheme that struggled to stop the ground game. Since 2024, his defenses have allowed 200 or more rushing yards in 12 games. No other team has reached that number more than six times. In the Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, Carolina gave up 291 rushing yards and six touchdowns. Last week against Tampa Bay, the team allowed 258 rushing yards and three scores.

Dan Morgan, the general manager, signed Evero to a contract extension in January. That deal runs through the 2027 season. Todd Wash, the defensive line coach, will serve as the interim defensive coordinator and call the defensive plays. Wash has 31 years of coaching experience, including 20 in the NFL. He previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars for five seasons. The Jaguars held the second-ranked defense in 2017 and reached the AFC Championship game.

AC Carter, the outside linebackers coach and run game specialist, will also take over coaching duties for the defensive line. Renaldo Hill will continue to oversee the defensive backs. Coach Dave Canales is scheduled to speak about the personnel changes later on Friday.