Panthers Dismiss Evero and Cooley After Struggling Defense

The Carolina Panthers are reorganizing their defensive staff after a difficult start to the 2026 season. The team fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley following a 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.

Evero becomes the first NFL coordinator to lose his job this season. The decision marks the first major personnel move by head coach Dave Canales since he assumed the role in 2024. Canales stated that he made the call personally after consulting with owner David Tepper, general manager Dan Morgan, and executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis. "This falls squarely under the responsibilities of the head coach," Canales said Friday.

The Panthers entered Week 8 with a 3-4 record and ranked 22nd in overall defense. The unit finished last in the league against the run. Injuries to key personnel have complicated the unit's performance. Starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson have missed recent games. Backup cornerback Akayleb Evans joined them on injured reserve earlier this week, and fill-in starter Will Lee left the Packers game in the first half due to injury.

Evero has struggled to contain the ground game since joining the staff in 2023. His defenses have allowed 200 or more rushing yards in 12 games since 2024, a league-high total. The New York Giants and Washington Commanders are the only other teams with six such games in that span. In the loss to the Packers, Green Bay quarterback Jordan Love completed 30 of 41 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns.

Todd Wash, the defensive line coach, will serve as interim defensive coordinator. Wash joined the Panthers in 2023 and brings 31 years of coaching experience, including 20 in the NFL. He previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where the team held the second-ranked defense in 2017 and advanced to the AFC Championship game. The Panthers expect Wash to make adjustments to the scheme rather than a complete overhaul. Evero primarily utilized a 3-4 base front with occasional 4-3 looks.

Other staff roles have shifted to support the new structure. Outside linebackers coach and run game specialist AC Carter will now also coach the defensive line. Secondary coach Renaldo Hill will continue to oversee the defensive backs. General manager Dan Morgan extended Evero's contract in January, a move that contrasts with the team's recent defensive struggles. The Panthers finished last in the league in points allowed in 2024 before improving to 16th in overall defense last season.

Canales indicated that the decision was based on a collection of information gathered over time. He wants to build the infrastructure for the defense as players return from injury. "As some guys come back to us they will be able to hear the principles," Canales said. The team is not expected to make additional coaching changes at this time.