Todd Wash was promoted to interim defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers following Ejiro Evero's dismissal. Wash, who previously coordinated the Jacksonville Jaguars' defense from 2016 to 2020, brings extensive NFL experience to the role. The promotion was announced Friday, with Wash expressing genuine emotion during his introductory meeting.
Players responded positively to his passion and player-first approach. Veteran outside linebacker Patrick Jones II noted Wash's excitement was contagious, stating teammates want to "go to war" for him. Defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who had advocated for Evero, praised Wash's ability to listen and value player input.
Brown and Wash share a tight relationship from their time together in 2023. The Panthers enter Week 9 with the league's 23rd-ranked defense, struggling particularly against the run (30th) and in sack production (29th). Wash oversaw Brown's lone Pro Bowl season in 2023.
He will look to improve defensive numbers during the final 10 weeks of the season. The interim tenure focuses on run defense and pass rush improvement. Wash's background with defensive fronts positions him to address the unit's current weaknesses.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing