Panthers Fire DC Ejiro Evero After Losing to Packers

The Carolina Panthers have fired DC Ejiro Evero.

Carolina lost to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. 

In Thursday's loss to the Packers, the Panthers' defense allowed 354 net yards and four touchdowns on the road.

Despite being one of the more popular head coach candidates of the past five offseasons, Evero's tenure with the Panthers will end after 59 games, with 10 matchups left on this year's schedule.

Through seven games this season, Evero's unit ranked 30th in rushing defense, ninth in passing defense and 23rd in total defense. The group allowed 291 rushing yards and eight total touchdowns in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears and 258 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in Week 6 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  

Longtime defensive line coach Todd Wash, who has been part of Evero's staff throughout his tenure in Carolina, will serve as interim defensive coordinator for the rest of the season. Wash previously served as the Jacksonville Jaguars' coordinator from 2016 to 2020. In 2017, Wash oversaw the league's second-ranked defense and the Jaguars made it to the AFC Championship Game.  

Evero, 45, had led the Panthers' defense since 2023, as he predated the hiring of coach Dave Canales in 2024. Despite finishing as the fourth-ranked overall unit in his first season at the helm, Evero's group became the first defense since 1980 to allow 3,000 rushing yards in a single campaign.

Since 2024, Evero's defenses have allowed a league-leading 12 games of 200 or more rushing yards by an opponent. That's six more times than the next defensive unit (Giants, Commanders).

Along with Evero's departure, the team is also moving on from passing game coordinator Jonathon Cooley, who has been a part of Evero's staff since 2023. The pair won a Super Bowl together with the Los Angeles Rams as assistant coaches.

Outside linebackers coach AC Carter will also coach the defensive line with Wash promoted to interim coordinator. Secondary coach Renaldo Hill will oversee the entire defensive back operation following Cooley's departure.

The Panthers are 3-4. Because the NFC South is putrid, Carolina is tied for first place in the NFC South.

QB Bryce Young is making $12.1 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. His fifth-year option is worth a guaranteed $25.9 million. Carolina picked it up in the offseason.

The Panthers didn't sign Young to an extension, so he has to play well again this season to earn one next offseason.