What happened: The Carolina Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero on Friday morning, Oct. 30, less than 12 hours after a 27-19 loss at Green Bay on Thursday Night Football. Defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley was also let go.
Who takes over: Defensive line coach Todd Wash was named interim defensive coordinator and will call the defensive plays for head coach Dave Canales. Outside linebackers coach and run game specialist AC Carter will also coach the defensive line. Secondary coach Renaldo Hill stays in his role.
Why now: Carolina allowed 70 points in two losses over a five-day stretch — 43 to Tampa Bay last weekend, then 27 at Green Bay. The Panthers fell to 3-4. The defense entered the week ranked 22nd overall and last in the league against the run.
The backstory: Evero, 45, joined the Panthers as defensive coordinator in 2023 under Frank Reich and was retained when Canales took over in 2024. In January, general manager Dan Morgan announced Evero had signed a contract extension through the 2027 season. He is the first NFL coordinator fired this season, and this is the first major coaching move of Canales’ tenure.
What comes next: Wash’s first game running the defense is Nov. 8, when the Denver Broncos visit Charlotte. Canales was expected to address the moves later Friday.
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, NBC Sports
