The Carolina Panthers made a big change on defense Friday. The team relieved Ejiro Evero of his duties as defensive coordinator and promoted longtime defensive line coach Todd Wash to run the defense for the final 10 games of the season.

Defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley was also let go.

The moves came a day after a 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Thursday night. The Packers piled up 354 net yards and four touchdowns against Carolina's defense.

"Ultimately, this is my decision"

Coach Dave Canales said owner David Tepper, general manager Dan Morgan and executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis were involved in the process the whole time. "Ultimately, this is my decision," Canales said.

"This falls squarely under the responsibilities of the head coach," he added.

Through seven games Evero's defense ranked 30th against the run, ninth against the pass and 23rd overall. Carolina is allowing 27.6 points per game, the sixth most in the league.

Stopping the run has been a problem for a while. Since 2024 Evero's defenses have allowed a league-high 12 games of 200 or more rushing yards. In 2024 his unit became the first defense since 1980 to give up 3,000 rushing yards in a season.

What comes next

Wash was the Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2020. In 2017 he oversaw the league's second-ranked defense as the Jaguars reached the AFC Championship Game.

Outside linebackers coach AC Carter will add defensive line duties. Secondary coach Renaldo Hill will oversee the entire defensive backfield.

Canales said he wants to see a connected group that plays fast and physical. "It starts with the run game. It starts with owning first and second down," he said.

Evero, 45, had run the Panthers' defense since 2023, a span of 59 games.