Panthers Dismiss Ejiro Evero After Loss to Packers
Panthers Part Ways with Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Panthers have officially terminated defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley following the team’s 27-19 defeat to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. This marks Evero as the first NFL coordinator to be dismissed this season.
Currently holding a 3-4 record, the Panthers ranked 22nd in overall defense and dead last against the run prior to this week.
Coaching Changes Under Head Coach Dave Canales
This decision represents the first significant coaching move made by head coach Dave Canales since he assumed the role in 2024. Evero had joined the Panthers in 2023, a year before Canales took the helm. During Evero’s tenure, the Panthers finished at the bottom of the league in both defense and points allowed in 2024. However, the team showed improvement last season, ranking 16th in defense and 15th in points allowed.
In the recent game against Green Bay, quarterback Jordan Love completed 30 of 41 passes for 288 yards, throwing three touchdowns and one interception. The Panthers have struggled defensively, particularly in the absence of starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, with backup Akayleb Evans also placed on injured reserve earlier this week.
Defensive Struggles and Historical Context
General manager Dan Morgan had announced in January that Evero was extended through the 2027 season. Under Evero’s leadership, the Panthers’ run defense has faced significant challenges, utilizing a combination of 3-4 and 4-3 defensive schemes. Notably, Evero’s defenses have allowed 12 games with over 200 rushing yards since 2024, the highest in the league during that timeframe. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders follow closely, allowing six such games each.
In their season opener, the Panthers conceded 291 rushing yards and six touchdowns to the Chicago Bears, and just last week, they allowed 258 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Interim Coaching Assignments
Following Evero’s dismissal, defensive line coach Todd Wash has been appointed as the interim defensive coordinator and will take charge of defensive play-calling. Wash joined the Panthers’ coaching staff in 2023 and brings 31 years of coaching experience, including two decades in the NFL. He previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he led the team to a second-ranked defense in 2017, propelling them to the AFC Championship game.
Additionally, outside linebackers coach and run game specialist AC Carter will expand his role to include coaching the defensive line, while secondary coach Renaldo Hill will continue to manage the defensive backs.
Head coach Dave Canales is anticipated to discuss these coaching changes later today.
Source Reference (baltimoresun.com): Panthers fire defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero following 27-19 loss to the Packers