Panthers Fire Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero Following 3-4 Start

The Panthers are making a major change after falling to the Packers on Thursday Night Football, firing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley.

In a team announcement, head coach Dave Canales named defensive line coach Todd Wash as the interim defensive coordinator, taking over play-calling duties for the rest of the season.

Evero has survived the Frank Reich era after joining the Panthers in 2023, but throughout his tenure, the defense simply struggled to be consistent. Since Evero arrived in 2023, Carolina has allowed an average of 26.3 points and 342.8 yards per game, ranking 30th and 25th during that span.

Through seven games this season, the Panthers have allowed 27.6 points per game, ranking 27th out of 32. Carolina has also allowed 349.6 yards per game, including 140.7 rushing yards per game.

Those problems were on display at the start of the season, after Carolina allowed a franchise-record 59 points to the Bears in its season opener and has now lost two consecutive games.

Despite their 3-4 record, the Panthers remain in the NFC South race. Carolina hopes to change course and win back-to-back division titles, a feat the franchise has done only once, when it won 3 straight from 2013-2015.