10/30/2026 10:12:00
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10/30 10:10 CDT Panthers fire defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero following 27-19
loss to the Packers
Panthers fire defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero following 27-19 loss to the
Packers
By STEVE REED
AP Sports Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) --- The Carolina Panthers fired defensive coordinator
Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley on Friday
following the team's 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.
Evero is the first NFL coordinator to be fired the season.
Carolina (3-4) entered the week ranked 22nd in overall defense and last in the
league against the run.
The Evero firing is the first major coaching move by Dave Canales since he took
over as head coach in 2024.
Evero was hired by Carolina in 2023, one year before Canales took over as head
coach. The Panthers finished last in the league in defense and points allowed
in 2024. Carolina improved to 16th in the league in defense last season and
15th in points allowed.
Green Bay's Jordan Love was 30 of 41 passing for 288 yards with three
touchdowns and one interception in the win over Carolina. It hasn't helped that
the Panthers have played the last few games without starting cornerbacks Jaycee
Horn and Mike Jackson. Backup cornerback Akayleb Evans joined them on injured
reserve earlier this week.
Defensive line coach Todd Wash has been named interim defensive coordinator and
will call the defensive plays, according to the Panthers.
Wash joined Carolina's staff in 2023 and has 31 years of coaching experience,
including 20 in the NFL. He spent five seasons serving as the defensive
coordinator for Jacksonville. The Jaguars had the second-ranked defense in the
league in 2017 under Wash and advanced to the AFC Championship game.
Outside linebackers coach/run game specialist AC Carter's responsibilities will
expand to include coaching the defensive line, the Panthers announced. Also,
secondary coach Renaldo Hill will continue to oversee the defensive backs.
Coach Dave Canales is expected to address the moves later Friday.
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