Panthers fire defensive coordinator Evero after loss to Packers

The first coordinator firing of the NFL season has taken place at the Carolina Panthers in the United States. After a loss to the Green Bay Packers, the team removed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero from his post.

On Thursday night at Lambeau Field, the Panthers lost 27-19 to the Packers. On Friday the team said that, along with Evero, defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley had also been fired. The loss was the Panthers' second straight, and it left the team's record at 3-4.

The Panthers named defensive line coach Todd Wash as interim defensive coordinator and play-caller.

Evero, 45, had been the Panthers' defensive coordinator under head coach Dave Canales since 2024. In his first season, the Panthers' defense allowed 31.4 points per game, which was last in the NFL. The unit improved in the 2025 season, however; allowing 23 points per game that season, the defense ranked 16th in the league.

This season the defense has regressed again. Points allowed per game have climbed to 27.6, which ranks 27th in the NFL. At the same time, Evero's unit has been hit by a long list of injuries.

The Panthers have played the last few games without starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Backup cornerback Akayleb Evans joined the injured reserve list earlier this week. In addition, linebackers Nic Scourton (ACL) and Thomas Incoom (calf injury) and defensive tackle Cam Jackson (shoulder injury) are also on injured reserve.

Despite the 3-4 record, the Panthers are still atop the NFC South. Chasing a second straight division title, the team hopes Wash can spark the defense.

Wash joined Carolina's staff in 2023. He has 31 years of coaching experience, including 20 in the NFL. He spent five seasons as defensive coordinator of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Under him in 2017, the Jaguars' defense was the league's second-ranked unit and the team advanced to the AFC Championship game.

The Panthers also announced that outside linebackers coach and run game specialist AC Carter's responsibilities will expand to include coaching the defensive line.

The Panthers will next play the Denver Broncos (5-2) a week from Sunday.