Panthers dismiss defensive coordinator after struggling start to season

The Carolina Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley on Friday. The decision followed the team's 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Evero becomes the first NFL coordinator to be dismissed during the 2026 season.

Carolina entered Week 8 with a 3-4 record. The team ranked 22nd in overall defense and last in the league against the run. Head coach Dave Canales stated that he consulted with owner David Tepper, general manager Dan Morgan, and executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis. However, Canales said the final call was his responsibility. "This falls squarely under the responsibilities of the head coach," Canales said.

Evero joined the Panthers staff in 2023. The defense finished last in the league in points allowed during the 2024 season. It improved to 16th in overall defense and 15th in points allowed last season. Despite the improvement, the unit struggled to stop the run. Evero's defenses have allowed at least 200 rushing yards in 12 games since 2024. No other team has more than six such games in that span.

The Panthers allowed 291 rushing yards and six touchdowns in a Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears. They gave up 258 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a defeat to Tampa Bay last week. In the latest loss, Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love completed 30 of 41 passes for 288 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.

Injuries have complicated the defense's performance. Starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson missed the recent games. Backup Akayleb Evans was placed on injured reserve earlier this week. Will Lee, a fill-in starter, left the game against Green Bay in the first half. Horn and Jackson are expected to return later this season. Canales said the decision was based on a collection of information over time rather than just the injury situation.

Defensive line coach Todd Wash will serve as the interim defensive coordinator. Wash has 31 years of coaching experience, including 20 in the NFL. He spent five seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars held the second-ranked defense in the league in 2017 under his leadership. Wash is expected to make tweaks to the system rather than a complete overhaul. Canales noted that players need to understand the new principles as returning starters rejoin the roster.

Outside linebackers coach AC Carter will now also coach the defensive line. Secondary coach Renaldo Hill will continue to oversee the defensive backs. The Panthers have not announced any other coaching changes at this time.