The Carolina Panthers have officially moved on from defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, and while interim Todd Wash will get the first opportunity to turn things around, head coach Dave Canales could have some interesting outside candidates to consider once the season ends.
Canales cut Evero loose after one bad performance too many. The focus will now be on him to impprove the squad, and if the Panthers cannot turn things around, there will be inevitable calls to remove him from the equation as well.
That seems a little drastic. But if Canales does get the chance to choose his next defensive coordinator, he cannot get it wrong.
Here are five names worth considering.
Defensive coordinator candidates for the Carolina Panthers to potentially consider in 2027
Kacy Rodgers
Kacy Rodgers might be one of the more logical candidates for Carolina, especially considering how badly the Panthers have struggled against the run.
Rodgers currently serves as the Detroit Lions' run game coordinator and defensive line coach, bringing more than 30 years of coaching experience and four seasons as the New York Jets' defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2018.
For a Panthers defense that has struggled to stop opposing running backs, even after investing heavily in its defensive front, Rodgers makes plenty of sense.
Clint Hurtt
Clint Hurtt is another candidate Carolina could consider if Canales wants someone with previous defensive coordinator experience.
Hurtt spent two seasons running the Seattle Seahawks' defense from 2022 to 2023 before joining the Philadelphia Eagles' coaching staff in 2024. His background in developing defensive linemen could be appealing to Carolina, with guys like Derrick Brown and second-round pick Lee Hunter on the squad.
Ken Norton Jr.
Ken Norton Jr. currently coaches linebackers for the Washington Commanders after previously serving as defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders and Seattle Seahawks
His experience coaching linebackers deserves respect. However, there are somee concerns iff the Panthers went down this route.
His previous defenses weren't always consistent, and Carolina would have to decide whether his experience outweighs the opportunity to hire a younger defensive mind.
Al Harris
If the Panthers want to take a chance on a rising defensive assistant, Al Harris could be one of the more interesting options available.
During his final four seasons in Dallas, the Cowboys recorded an NFL-high 72 interceptions. That success followed Harris to Chicago, where the Bears led the NFL with 33 takeaways during the 2025 campaign.
The biggest concern is his lack of experience calling an entire defense. Harris has never served as an NFL defensive coordinator, so hiring him would involve some risk.
Dan Quinn
Dan Quinn is easily the biggest name on this list, although his availability would depend entirely on what happens in Washington over the next few months.
Quinn entered the season facing increased pressure from ownership, and Washington's continued struggles have only raised more questions about his job security.
If the Commanders eventually move on, Carolina could have an opportunity to pursue one of the NFL's more accomplished defensive coaches.
Of course, if Carolina's defense improves considerably under Wash, Canales could have a difficult decision on his hands.
But the Panthers have invested too much money and draft capital into their defense to continue getting the same results.
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