The Carolina Panthers have dismissed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero following Thursday night's 27-19 defeat to the Green Bay Packers. The decision comes after another inconsistent defensive performance and growing concerns about the team's ability to stop opposing rushing attacks.
The Panthers announced the move Friday, ending Evero's tenure after 59 games in charge of the defense. With 10 games remaining in the season, defensive line coach Todd Wash has been promoted to interim defensive coordinator.
Carolina's Defensive Struggles Lead to Change
Through seven games in 2026, Carolina ranked 30th in the NFL against the run, ninth in passing defense and 23rd in total defense.
The team's biggest problems have come on the ground. The Panthers surrendered 291 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. They also gave up 258 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in their Week 6 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Thursday's loss offered little relief. Green Bay finished with 354 net yards and four touchdowns against Carolina's defense.
Evero, 45, had been the Panthers' defensive coordinator since 2023, before head coach Dave Canales arrived in 2024. His first season produced mixed results: Carolina finished fourth in total defense, but also became the first NFL defense since 1980 to allow 3,000 rushing yards in a season.
The longer-term numbers were equally concerning. Since 2024, Evero's defenses have allowed 12 games in which opponents rushed for at least 200 yards — the most in the league and six more than the next-highest teams, the New York Giants and Washington Commanders.
Todd Wash Takes Over as Interim Coordinator
Wash, who has worked alongside Evero throughout his time in Carolina, will lead the defense for the remainder of the season.
The veteran coach previously served as defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2016 through 2020. His defense ranked second in the NFL in 2017, helping Jacksonville reach the AFC Championship Game.
Carolina is also making additional changes to its defensive coaching staff. Passing game coordinator Jonathon Cooley is leaving the organization after working with Evero since 2023. The two previously won a Super Bowl together as assistant coaches with the Los Angeles Rams.
Outside linebackers coach AC Carter will take on additional responsibilities with the defensive line, while secondary coach Renaldo Hill will oversee the entire defensive backs operation.
A Season of Inconsistent Defensive Performances
Carolina's defense showed improvement in 2025 after the team added safety Tre'von Moehrig in free agency and drafted outside linebackers Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen.
The unit also delivered encouraging performances early in the 2026 campaign, limiting Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs in victories over both teams.
However, those performances were overshadowed by major defensive breakdowns against Chicago, Tampa Bay and Cleveland.
The coaching changes signal a new direction for Carolina's defense as the Panthers attempt to address their persistent struggles and finish the season on a stronger note.
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