The Carolina Panthers have made a major change to their coaching staff, firing defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero following their disappointing 27-19 defeat against the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football.
The decision, announced Friday, October 30, 2026, also included the departure of defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley. The moves come after another difficult defensive performance that increased pressure on Carolina’s coaching staff.
The Panthers have appointed defensive line coach Todd Wash as their interim defensive coordinator. Wash will also take over defensive play-calling responsibilities for the remainder of the interim period.
Panthers Fire Ejiro Evero After Packers Defeat
The Panthers decided to move on from Ejiro Evero after their 27-19 loss to the Packers in Week 8. Carolina struggled to contain Green Bay, and the result added to growing concerns about the team’s defensive performances.
Evero had served as Carolina’s defensive coordinator since 2023. He initially joined the organization under former head coach Frank Reich and remained in the position after Dave Canales took over as head coach.
However, the defense struggled to maintain consistency during his tenure, particularly following a promising first season.
The Panthers also parted ways with Jonathan Cooley, who worked as the team’s defensive passing game coordinator.
Why Did the Panthers Fire Ejiro Evero?
Carolina’s defensive struggles played a significant role in the decision to fire Evero.
During his first season in 2023, the Panthers produced encouraging defensive numbers, allowing just 293.9 yards per game. That ranked fourth in the NFL and gave the organization reasons to believe Evero could build a successful defensive unit.
However, the situation changed dramatically in 2024.
The Panthers endured a historically poor defensive campaign, allowing the most points in a single season in NFL history. Their struggles continued into the 2026 season.
Through seven games in 2026, Carolina was allowing:
- 349.6 total yards per game: 23rd in the NFL.
- 27.5 points per game: 27th in the NFL.
Those numbers highlighted the team’s inability to consistently stop opposing offenses.
The 27-19 defeat against Green Bay became another disappointing result, ultimately leading the organization to make changes.
Todd Wash Named Interim Defensive Coordinator
Following Evero’s departure, the Panthers promoted defensive line coach Todd Wash to interim defensive coordinator.
Wash will also handle defensive play-calling duties, giving him additional responsibility as Carolina attempts to improve its performances on that side of the football.
Wash originally joined the Panthers’ coaching staff in 2023 and brings 31 years of coaching experience, including 20 seasons in the NFL.
He previously served as defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2016 through 2020.
One of the highlights of his coaching career came in 2017, when Jacksonville finished with the NFL’s second-ranked defense and advanced to the AFC Championship Game.
Carolina will now hope Wash can bring greater consistency and organization to a defense that has struggled throughout the season.
Ejiro Evero’s Coaching History With the Panthers
Evero became Carolina’s defensive coordinator ahead of the 2023 NFL season after spending one year in the same position with the Los Angeles Rams.
He was originally hired during Frank Reich’s tenure as head coach. When Dave Canales replaced Reich, the organization decided to retain Evero rather than make an immediate defensive coaching change.
His first season in Carolina showed considerable promise, with the Panthers ranking fourth in total defense while allowing 293.9 yards per game.
However, the team’s defensive performances declined significantly in subsequent seasons. The historically poor 2024 campaign and continued struggles in 2026 eventually brought his time in Carolina to an end.
What Happens Next for the Carolina Panthers?
The Panthers now face the challenge of improving their defense under interim coordinator Todd Wash.
The coaching change represents an important moment for head coach Dave Canales and the organization. Carolina needs better performances from its defensive unit if it hopes to become more competitive during the remainder of the 2026 season.
Wash’s experience with Jacksonville provides some optimism, particularly considering the success of the Jaguars’ defense during the 2017 campaign.
However, replacing Evero in the middle of the season will not automatically solve Carolina’s defensive problems. The players must also respond to the coaching change and execute better on the field.
The Panthers’ next performances will offer an early indication of whether the decision to move on from Evero can produce the improvement the organization is seeking.
Ejiro Evero Fired: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Coach fired | Ejiro Evero |
| Former position | Defensive coordinator |
| Team | Carolina Panthers |
| Date of decision | October 30, 2026 |
| Additional departure | Jonathan Cooley |
| Interim defensive coordinator | Todd Wash |
| New defensive play-caller | Todd Wash |
| Previous game | Panthers 19, Packers 27 |
| First season with Carolina | 2023 |
Final Thoughts
The Carolina Panthers have officially ended Ejiro Evero’s tenure as defensive coordinator after continued defensive struggles and a disappointing loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Although Evero helped Carolina produce a top-four defense in 2023, the team’s decline over the following seasons ultimately led to his departure.
Todd Wash now takes charge as interim defensive coordinator and defensive play-caller. Carolina will be hoping the coaching change provides the spark needed to turn around its struggling defense.
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