“Wrong Firing,” “Needed a Scapegoat”: NFL Fans Question Dave Canales as Panthers Fire DC Ejiro Evero After Packers Loss

October 31, 2026 - 06:46

The Carolina Panthers have dismissed defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero following the team's 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. The move was reported by NFL insider Adam Schefter and marks a significant shakeup for a defense that has struggled to find consistency this season.

Evero was retained by head coach Dave Canales when Canales took over the top job in 2024, a decision that suggested continuity on the defensive side of the ball. That continuity has now ended abruptly after another uneven performance against Green Bay.

The firing quickly drew reaction from NFL fans online, with many questioning whether Evero was truly the problem or simply the easiest person to blame. Some described the decision as a wrong firing, while others argued the team needed a scapegoat after a frustrating start to the year. Critics pointed to larger issues across the roster and wondered why the coordinator was the first to go.

Canales now faces added pressure to stabilize a defense that has yet to meet expectations. The Panthers will need to move quickly to identify a replacement and regroup before their next matchup, as questions continue to mount about the direction of the team under its first-year head coach.