Panthers Fire Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero After Losing to Packers

The Carolina Panthers have fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley, the team announced Friday. This move comes after the Panthers' 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, which marked their second consecutive defeat and dropped their season record to 3-4.

Todd Wash, who previously served as the defensive line coach, has been named the interim defensive coordinator and play-caller. Outside linebackers coach/run game specialist AC Carter will expand his duties to include coaching the defensive line.

Evero, 45, had been with the Panthers since 2024. While the defense saw improvement in his second season, allowing 23 points per game in 2025 to rank 16th in the NFL, the unit has regressed this season. The defense is currently allowing 27.6 points per game, ranking 27th in the league. The team has been significantly impacted by injuries, with multiple key defensive players, including starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, as well as linebackers Nic Scourton and Thomas Incoom, currently on injured reserve.

Despite their struggles, the Panthers remain atop the NFC South division. Head coach Dave Canales is likely hoping Wash can revitalize the defense as the team aims for a second consecutive division title.

Wash brings extensive coaching experience to his interim role, with 31 years of coaching under his belt, including 20 in the NFL. He previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars for five seasons, during which the team's defense ranked second in the league in 2017 and advanced to the AFC Championship game.

The Panthers will look to rebound when they face the Denver Broncos (5-2) next Sunday.