Sports · American Football · 1 hr ago
Panthers fire defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero after Packers loss
The Carolina Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero on Friday, after losing 27-19 to the Green Bay Packers.
The decision came after the Panthers’ defense struggled through the first seven games of the 2026 season.
Carolina ranked 30th in rushing defense and 23rd in total defense, while giving up heavy scoring totals to the Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Evero had led the defense since 2023, and his unit had also struggled against the run in earlier seasons.
The team also parted ways with passing game coordinator Jonathon Cooley, who had worked with Evero in Carolina since 2023.
Defensive line coach Todd Wash will serve as interim coordinator and call the defensive plays for the rest of the season.
The Panthers are 3-4 and tied for the NFC South lead, so they hope the changes can help them contend for another division title.
The Carolina Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero on Friday after a 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
The team also let go of defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley.
Defensive line coach Todd Wash will serve as interim coordinator and call the defensive plays.
Carolina entered the week with a 3-4 record, and its defense had struggled against the run and in points allowed.
The Panthers remain tied with the Atlanta Falcons atop the NFC South.
- Who
- The Carolina Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley.
- What
- The team made defensive coaching changes and named Todd Wash interim coordinator.
- When
- Friday, October 30, 2026, after Thursday night's game.
- Where
- Carolina made the changes after losing to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
- Why
- The moves followed the 27-19 loss and a season of defensive struggles, including poor run defense.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ejiro Evero joined the Panthers' coaching staff.
Carolina won the NFC South with an 8-9 record.
The Panthers lost 27-19 to the Packers.
Carolina fired Evero and Jonathan Cooley and named Todd Wash interim defensive coordinator.
- Final score
- Packers 27, Panthers 19
- Carolina record
- 3-4
- Interim defensive coordinator
- Todd Wash
- Defensive passing game coordinator
- Jonathan Cooley was also fired
- Division standing
- Tied with the Atlanta Falcons atop the NFC South
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Panthers announce changes to defensive coaching staff