Carolina Panthers Relieve Defensive Coordinator Ejiro Evero of Duties

The Carolina Panthers have announced that ejiro evero has been relieved of his role as defensive coordinator. The decision follows the team's 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

During the current season through seven games, the defensive unit under Evero placed 30th in rushing defense, ninth in passing defense, and 23rd overall. In their latest fixture against Green Bay, the defense surrendered 354 net yards and four touchdowns while playing away from home. Over recent years, his groups struggled significantly against the run, allowing a league-leading number of games with 200 or more rushing yards by opponents since 2024.

Coaching Staff Adjustments

Alongside the departure of ejiro evero, the organization is also parting ways with passing game coordinator Jonathon Cooley. In response to these changes, longtime defensive line coach Todd Wash has been appointed as the interim defensive coordinator for the remaining ten matchups on the schedule. Wash previously coordinated the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense from 2016 through 2020. Additionally, outside linebackers coach AC Carter will take on defensive line coaching responsibilities, and secondary coach Renaldo Hill will manage the entire defensive back operation.

Tenure and Background

Evero, who is 45 years old, had directed the Panthers' defensive unit since 2023, meaning his tenure predated the arrival of head coach Dave Canales in 2024. Although his initial season produced the league's fourth-ranked overall unit, subsequent campaigns brought immense defensive challenges, including becoming the first defense since 1980 to concede 3,000 rushing yards in a single campaign. Despite these difficulties, Evero had remained a frequently mentioned candidate for head coaching vacancies during previous offseasons. The team will now look to Wash and the adjusted coaching staff to guide the defense through the rest of the season.

Sources: ESPN, Carolina Panthers, Yahoo Sports.