The Carolina Panthers' decision to part ways with defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero after their 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers has already created an emotional situation inside the locker room. Meanwhile, defensive lineman Bobby Brown's latest comments about Evero's firing have added more attention to the team's ongoing situation.

While speaking to reporters, Brown described players as “puppets,” saying they have limited control over how things unfold on the field, regardless of the defensive scheme being used.

“I mean, we're to a degree for whatever's puppets,” Brown said. “So I mean, yeah, have you ever been through a MI like this? Never. This do How would you describe who like interacting? Um, it's a lot of moving pieces.”

Defensive line coach Todd Wash has since been elevated to interim defensive coordinator, taking over the responsibility of calling defensive plays for the remainder of the season. The Panthers have also brought former Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall back to their coaching staff as their cornerbacks coach, reuniting him with the interim defensive coordinator.

Carolina's decision followed another disappointing stretch from a defense that has struggled to deliver consistent performances throughout the 2026 season. However, Evero was not the only coach to lose his job during the shake-up, as the Panthers also dismissed defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley.

Evero's departure is particularly significant given the expectations that surrounded him when he arrived in Carolina in 2023. Despite those expectations, his defensive units have delivered largely inconsistent results during his four seasons with the franchise.

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One of the most persistent issues under Evero has been Carolina's inability to contain opposing rushing attacks, which has repeatedly exposed the defense. At the same time, injuries to several key defensive players have also contributed to the unit's struggles.

Carolina now has 10 games left to salvage its season, starting with a home matchup against the Denver Broncos on November 8. With Wash stepping into the defensive coordinator role, the Panthers will be hoping the coaching change brings the necessary adjustments to address their biggest weaknesses.