The Carolina Panthers are clinging to first place in the usually shoddy NFC South at 3-4, but they are not satisfied with merely representing the NFL's worst division. This squad was less than a minute away from upsetting the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs. Continued growth is expected, and sometimes that entails big changes.

An adjustment period is taking shape following the dismissal of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley. The entire building is sorting through its emotions and figuring out how to proceed forward, including the head coach.

“Dave Canales said Panthers players had an ‘appropriate reaction' to the firings of Ejiro Evero and Jonathan Cooley,” The Athletic's Joe Person reported on X. “Added there was some sadness among players, and that it was a ‘heavy weekend' for him.”

Carolina took action after Thursday;s 27-19 road loss versus the Green Bay Packers and is reuniting with three-time Pro Bowler and former assistant defensive backs coach DeAngelo Hall, who will serve as the team's cornerbacks coach for the remainder of the season. Veteran defensive line coach Todd Wash will operate as interim DC.

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The Panthers are giving up 27.6 points per game and 140.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 28th and 30th in the NFL, respectively, Their secondary is presently undermanned, but the squad is only allowing 208.9 passing yards per week (10th). Obviously, management did not have faith that Evero could instill balance in the defense going forward. A respected figure who has been considered for head coaching positions in the past is now forced to find a new place of employment. It is a tough business.

Both Evero and Cooley will try to land on their feet, while Carolina looks to immediately obtain positive results against a Denver Broncos squad that just came back to beat the Kansas City Chiefs.