Carolina Panthers shake up defensive staff, change play-caller

CHARLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — The Carolina Panthers have made changes to their defensive coaching staff, parting ways with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley.

Head coach Dave Canales announced the moves Friday.

Defensive line coach Todd Wash has been named interim defensive coordinator and will take over defensive play-calling duties.

Wash joined the Panthers’ staff in 2023 and has 31 years of coaching experience, including 20 seasons in the NFL. He previously served as defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2016 through 2020.

During the 2017 season, Jacksonville finished with the NFL’s second-ranked defense and reached the AFC Championship Game.

The Panthers also announced that outside linebackers coach and run game specialist AC Carter will add responsibility for coaching the defensive line.

Secondary coach Renaldo Hill will continue overseeing the defensive backs.

Canales is scheduled to speak with reporters virtually Friday afternoon.