Panthers End Ejiro Evero Tenure After Final Ranking Collapse

The Carolina Panthers dismissed Ejiro Evero from his position as defensive coordinator on Friday morning.

Head coach Dave Canales announced the move alongside the firing of Jonathan Cooley, the team's defensive passing game coordinator. The decisions followed a 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Evero is the first NFL coordinator to be let go this 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. General manager Dan Morgan signed Evero to a contract extension in January, despite the unit's persistent struggles stopping ground attacks. Since 2024, Evero's defenses have allowed 200 or more rushing yards in 12 games. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders trail that total with six such games each. The Panthers allowed 291 rushing yards and six touchdowns in a Week 1 loss to Chicago, followed by 258 yards and three rushing scores against Tampa Bay last week.

Canales stated that he consulted with owner David Tepper, Morgan, and executive vice president Brandt Tilis before making the call. He described the choice as his own responsibility as head coach. The decision followed a review of the team's performance and the availability of key players. Cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson missed recent games due to injury. Backup Akayleb Evans was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week, and Will Lee left the Packers game in the first half with an injury.

Jordan Love of the Packers completed 30 of 41 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns in the Thursday loss. Canales said the decision was based on a collection of information over time rather than a single game. He noted that returning players will need to learn the new system's principles. The team finished last in points allowed in 2024 before improving to 16th in overall defense last season.

Todd Wash, the defensive line coach, 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 Wash. The Panthers expect Wash to make adjustments to the existing scheme rather than a complete overhaul. Evero primarily used a 3-4 base front with occasional 4-3 looks.

AC Carter, the outside linebackers coach, will now also coach the defensive line. Renaldo Hill will continue to oversee the secondary. Canales said the team aims to position players to make plays effectively. The Panthers are not expected to make additional coaching changes at this time.

Horn and Jackson are expected to return later in the season according to initial timelines. Canales emphasized the importance of building the infrastructure for the defense. He stated that players will be able to hear the principles and see how the system functions as it rolls out.