Ron Rivera has made some changes to his defensive coaching staff after four straight losses. Defensive line coach Brady Hoke and secondary coach Jeff Imamura have been fired. Max Henson, of panthers.com, is reporting that Rivera is taking over play calling duties and will focus on coaching the secondary. Eric Washington will focus more on coaching and coordinating the front seven.
The Panthers secondary and their defensive line have fallen apart at key times during almost every game this season. This is Ron Rivera’s major shake up to try to save his job. Not only has he fired the assistant coaches responsible for those struggling units, he has effectively demoted new defensive coordinator Eric Washington.