Panthers DC Stripped of Defensive Duties in Preseason Opener as Dave Canales Confirms Surprising Change

The 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game saw the Carolina Panthers defeat the Arizona Cardinals 33-30 at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. However, despite the win, the Panthers made a surprising coaching change, taking away defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.

“[Dave] Canales said Jonathan Cooley called the defense tonight,” The Athletic’s Joe Person noted on X.

Passing game coordinator and secondary coach Jonathan Cooley called the defensive plays instead. He has been with the team since 2023.

But the Panthers’ defense also had problems. It gave up 30 points and allowed rookie Carson Beck and later Kedon Slovis to move the ball well. Beck completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and one touchdown without an interception, while Slovis threw for 106 yards and one touchdown. Arizona put together several long scoring drives, showing the Panthers’ defense still has areas to improve.

This is a developing story.

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