Panthers replace defensive coordinator after run defense struggles
Todd Wash takes over play-calling duties following a loss to Green Bay and a season that ranks last in the league against the run.
By Marta Gray ·
The Carolina Panthers have removed Ejiro Evero from his role as defensive coordinator. Head coach Dave Canales made the announcement following the team's 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night. Jonathan Cooley, who served as the defensive passing game coordinator, was also let go.
Todd Wash will serve as the interim defensive coordinator and take over play-calling responsibilities. Wash joined the coaching staff in 2023 and brings 31 years of experience to the position, including 20 seasons in the NFL. He previously spent five years as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he led the unit to the AFC Championship Game in 2017.
The coaching change addresses a persistent weakness in stopping the run. Through seven games in the 2026 season, the Panthers rank 30th in the NFL, allowing 153.2 rushing yards per game. The defense also ranks 27th in scoring defense, conceding 27.7 points per contest. In contrast, the pass defense ranks sixth, allowing 195.7 passing yards per game.
Evero's tenure has been marked by poor performance against the ground game. The Panthers allowed 200 or more rushing yards in 12 games under his leadership. Two of those performances occurred this season, including 291 yards surrendered to Chicago in Week 1 and 258 yards against Tampa Bay in Week 7. These totals represent the worst defensive efforts during his time in charge.
The 2024 season set a low bar for the unit, which allowed an NFL-record 534 points. That defense ranked last in the league in scoring and rushing defense, surrendering 179.8 rushing yards per game. Opposing quarterbacks completed 67.9% of their passes and posted a 105.4 passer rating against Carolina that year.
The roster structure will shift to support Wash's new role. AC Carter, the outside linebackers coach and run game specialist, will expand his duties to include coaching the defensive line. Renaldo Hill will continue to manage the secondary. The decision follows a recent game where the Panthers limited Green Bay to 66 rushing yards but allowed Jordan Love to throw for 288 yards and three touchdowns.
The coaching adjustment aims to stabilize a unit that has struggled to limit scoring opportunities across multiple seasons. The Panthers hope to address the gap between their improved pass defense and their continued difficulties on the ground.
