Panthers dismiss defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero after loss to Packers

The Carolina Panthers dismissed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley on Friday. The decision came one day after the team lost 27-19 to the Green Bay Packers.

Carolina holds a 3-4 record and entered the week ranked 22nd in overall defense. The team finished last in the league against the run. Evero is the first NFL coordinator to be fired this season.

Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love completed 30 of 41 passes for 288 yards. He threw three touchdown passes and one interception in the victory. The Panthers have played recent games without starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Backup cornerback Akayleb Evans moved to injured reserve earlier this week.

Evero was hired by the Panthers in 2023, one year before Dave Canales became head coach. The team finished last in the league in defense and points allowed in 2024. Carolina improved to 16th in defense and 15th in points allowed last season.

Evero ran a mix of 3-4 and 4-3 base schemes. His defenses have allowed 200 or more rushing yards in 12 games since 2024. That total is the highest in the league during that span. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders both allowed six 200-yard games in the same period.

In a Week 1 loss to the Chicago Bears, the Panthers allowed 291 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground. Last week against Tampa Bay, they gave up 258 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. General Manager Dan Morgan announced in January that Evero signed a contract extension through the 2027 season.

Defensive line coach Todd Wash will serve as interim defensive coordinator and call the defensive plays. Wash joined the staff in 2023 and has 31 years of coaching experience, including 20 in the NFL. He served as defensive coordinator for Jacksonville for five seasons. The Jaguars had the second-ranked defense in 2017 under Wash and reached the AFC Championship game. Outside linebackers coach AC Carter will now coach the defensive line. Secondary coach Renaldo Hill will continue to oversee the defensive backs. Head coach Dave Canales is expected to address the changes later Friday.