NewsWPLG Local 10October 30, 2026Miami-Dade County
Carolina Panthers fire defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and Jonathan Cooley after loss to Packers
Photo: WPLG Local 10
The Carolina Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley following a 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Head coach Dave Canales made the coaching changes on Friday, naming defensive line coach Todd Wash as interim defensive coordinator.
Read the full story at WPLG Local 10Why It Matters
The professional football franchise changed its defensive coaching leadership mid-season following defensive struggles, promoting an experienced assistant to call plays for the remainder of the schedule.
Key Facts
- The Carolina Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley on Friday.
- The firings followed a 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night.
- Evero is the first NFL coordinator to be fired during the current season.
- Defensive line coach Todd Wash was named interim defensive coordinator and will call defensive plays.
- The Panthers entered the week ranked 22nd in overall defense and last in the league against the run.
- Since 2024, the Panthers' defense has allowed 12 games of 200 yards or more rushing, the most in the NFL.
- Outside linebackers coach AC Carter's responsibilities were expanded to include coaching the defensive line.
- Secondary coach Renaldo Hill will continue to oversee the defensive backs.
- Head coach Dave Canales made these moves as his first major coaching changes since taking over in 2024.
Who's Mentioned
OrganizationTampa Bay“NFL team that played against the Panthers”PersonAkayleb Evans“Backup cornerback placed on injured reserve”PersonJordan Love“Quarterback for the Green Bay Packers”OrganizationWashington Commanders“NFL team compared for defensive statistics”PersonMike Jackson“Starting cornerback for the Panthers”OrganizationJacksonville“Former team where Todd Wash served as defensive coordinator”PersonDan Morgan“General manager of the Carolina Panthers”OrganizationGreen Bay Packers“Opposing NFL team in the game preceding the firing”OrganizationCarolina Panthers“Professional football team that fired its defensive coordinators”PersonTodd Wash“Interim defensive coordinator for the Panthers”PersonEjiro Evero“Fired defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers”PersonJaycee Horn“Starting cornerback for the Panthers”PersonJonathan Cooley“Fired defensive passing game coordinator of the Carolina Panthers”PersonRenaldo Hill“Secondary coach for the Panthers”PersonAC Carter“Outside linebackers coach/run game specialist for the Panthers”OrganizationNew York Giants“NFL team compared for defensive statistics”PersonDave Canales“Head coach of the Carolina Panthers”OrganizationChicago Bears“NFL team that played against the Panthers”