Panthers fire defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero

Published October 30, 2026 10:35 AM Panthers owner David Tepper had big expectations for his team in 2026. With a 3-4 record after seven games, the team is making some big changes.The Panthers have announced the terminations of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley.Moving forward, defensive line coach Todd Wash will serve as defensive coordinator and call the defensive plays.Outside linebackers coach/run game specialist AC Carter will also coach the defensive line, and secondary coach Renaldo Hill will continue to oversee the defensive backs.Evero, 45, had worked for the Panthers since 2023, arriving as a member of Frank Reich’s staff. Evero remained in place after the hiring of Dave Canales in 2024. In 2022, Evero was the defensive coordinator of the Broncos. His first job as an NFL position coach came in 2017, when Rams coach Sean McVay hired Evero to serve as safeties coach on McVay’s initial staff. Evero was secondary coach and passing game coordinator for the Rams in 2021, which resulted in a Super Bowl win.Through it all, the Panthers remain tied for first place with the Falcons in the NFC South.