The Carolina Panthers made a rare in-season coaching change on Friday, firing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero along with defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley. Defensive line coach Todd Wash will serve as interim defensive coordinator and call defensive plays.
The move comes after the Panthers' 27-19 road loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. The defeat followed a 30-point loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, where Carolina allowed the third-most points in a home game in franchise history. In the 2026 season opener, the Panthers surrendered a franchise-record 59 points in a 59-37 loss to the Chicago Bears.
Against the Packers, who entered with the NFL's worst rushing offense, Carolina failed to contain quarterback Jordan Love. Love threw for 288 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception on 30-of-41 passing.
Defensive struggles under Evero
Evero's unit struggled across the board during his four seasons running the Panthers defense. Since 2023, Carolina ranked 30th in points allowed per game (26.3), 25th in total yards allowed per game (342.8), last in rushing yards allowed per game (141.7), but fourth in passing yards allowed per game (201.1). The defense also ranked last in third-down conversion rate allowed (45.3%), 30th in red zone touchdown rate allowed (63.5%), and 28th in takeaways (59).
The Panthers were without several key cornerbacks in the Thursday night loss at Lambeau Field: Jaycee Horn (quad), Mike Jackson (groin), and Akayleb Evans (knee/triceps) were all on injured reserve.
Division outlook
Carolina hopes the defensive shakeup will help the team repeat as NFC South champions in 2026. The Panthers won the division with an 8-9 record in 2025 and are currently tied with the Atlanta Falcons at 3-4 atop the division. Atlanta can take sole possession of first place with a win at Tampa Bay on Sunday.
