The Carolina Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejorro Evero and pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley. Todd Wash is now running the show, and changes haven't taken long to arrive.
In a surprising yet intriguing move, the Panthers have appointed DeAngelo Hall as their new cornerbacks coach, with Cooley no longer around. This is his second stint in Carolina, after spending time with the franchise previously.
Hall was among the high-profile arrivals on Frank Reich's supposed all-star coaching staff in 2023. Unfortunately, the coach lasted just 11 games before team owner David Tepper made him surplus to requirements.
DeAngelo Hall must galvanize depleted Carolina Panthers cornerback unit
When head coach Dave Canales replaced Reich, he kept the defensive staff in place. That included Hall, but he would last only one more season before parting ways with the organization.
Now, Hall is back after an almost two-year absence. His quick return suggests the decision to fire him in the first place came from Evero, not Canales.
That's debatable, of course.
But Hall's credentials need no introduction. And his familiarity with some players and coaches should make this transition seamless.
Hall was an exceptional performer during his playing days. He earned three Pro Bowl selections over his 13-year career and was once widely regarded as one of the league's most prolific shutdown presences. He also never backed down from a fight, which is precisely what the Panthers need to get out of their slump.
DeAngelo Hall will need every bit of his knowledge for Carolina Panthers return
The returning coach won't exactly be working with a stacked deck, either.
The Panthers are still without the stud tandem of Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson Sr., who both got hurt in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns and haven't returned yet. Akayleb Evans is also on injured reserve, and rookie fourth-round pick Will Lee III suffered a hamstring injury on Thursday Night Football.
If Lee is forced to miss time, the Panthers will be left with Malcolm DeWalt IV, Chau Smith-Wade, and either Marco Wilson or Corey Thornton from the practice squad. Not exactly an elite group, so Hall has his work cut out for him from the moment he gets into the building.
Horn and Jackson are expected back at some stage. No one knows when that'll be, but with Hall, the Panthers now have an exceptional teacher to help everyone else make the needed improvements.
The scheme probably won't change under Wash. But there should be a few tweaks, and having someone with Hall's expertise will only help.
And in all honesty, the Panthers shouldn't have gotten rid of him in the first place.
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