Carolina hands its defense to Todd Wash with ten games left

The Carolina Panthers dismissed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley on Friday. Defensive line coach Todd Wash takes over as interim coordinator and will call the defensive plays.

Head coach Dave Canales said the urgency of a 3-4 start, with ten games remaining, drove the decision. He described a process that developed over several weeks and said the final responsibility was his, following discussions with the club’s football leadership and owner David Tepper.

Carolina has a little extra preparation time after Thursday’s game before facing Denver next Sunday. Canales plans to use it to work through adjustments with Wash and the remaining staff, with improving the run defense a central concern.

The responsibilities extend beyond the headset. Outside linebackers coach and run game specialist AC Carter will also coach the defensive line. Renaldo Hill remains in charge of the defensive backs. Canales left open the possibility of further staff additions.

Wash inherits a defense he already knows

Wash has been on Carolina’s staff since 2023. He previously ran Jacksonville’s defense from 2016 through 2020, including the unit that ranked second in the league in 2017 as the Jaguars reached the AFC Championship Game.

Promoting from within gives Carolina a coordinator who already knows the personnel and a chance to adjust assignments without teaching an entirely unfamiliar staff how the players work. It also places the burden of improvement on coaches who have been part of the existing defense.

The first measure of the change should be visible in the front: clearer run responsibilities, fewer breakdowns and a plan the players can execute consistently. Wash’s past success gives Canales a basis for the choice. The remaining ten games will show whether that experience produces a better Carolina defense.