Two of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' NFC South rivals are making major coaching changes after disappointing performances, with the Carolina Panthers restructuring their defensive staff and the New Orleans Saints adjusting leadership of their run game.

Carolina fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley on October 30. New Orleans followed by dismissing run game coordinator T.J. Paganetti during its Week 8 bye.

Panthers replace two defensive coaches

According to the Panthers' official announcement, head coach Dave Canales promoted defensive line coach Todd Wash to interim defensive coordinator, giving him responsibility for defensive play-calling.

The changes followed consecutive losses to Tampa Bay and Green Bay. Carolina surrendered 43 points and 258 rushing yards to the Buccaneers in Week 7 before falling 27-19 to the Packers.

The Panthers entered Week 8 ranked 27th in points allowed, 22nd in total defense and last against the run. Their defensive struggles included allowing 291 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns against Chicago in Week 1.

Wash previously served as Jacksonville's defensive coordinator from 2016 through 2020, including the Jaguars' 2017 AFC Championship Game appearance. Outside linebackers coach AC Carter will take on additional defensive line responsibilities, while Renaldo Hill continues to oversee the secondary.

Saints change run game leadership

New Orleans dismissed Paganetti following a 16-10 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 7, when the Saints managed just 18 rushing yards on 17 carries.

According to the Saints' official announcement, New Orleans ranks 28th in the NFL with 86 rushing yards per game. The team has surpassed 100 rushing yards twice in seven games, producing 148 against Las Vegas and 175 against the New York Giants.

Head coach Kellen Moore confirmed that offensive line coach Brendan Nugent will lead the weekly run game structure, with running backs coach Joel Thomas continuing to contribute to situational planning. The rest of the offensive staff will also help develop the game plan.

Paganetti joined Moore's staff in 2025 after working with him in Philadelphia. Rather than appointing a new run game coordinator, New Orleans is redistributing his responsibilities among its existing coaches.

Buccaneers gain ground in NFC South race

While Carolina and New Orleans adjust their coaching staffs, Tampa Bay has won consecutive games behind a rushing attack that has produced 582 yards over the last two weeks.

The Buccaneers rushed for 258 yards against Carolina before setting a franchise record with 324 yards in their 16-0 shutout of Atlanta. Their two-game rushing total also established a franchise record.

Carolina enters Week 9 at 3-4, while Tampa Bay and Atlanta are both 3-5. New Orleans sits at 2-5 following its bye.

The Panthers will try to improve a defense that has struggled against the run, while the Saints must generate more consistent ground production. Both coaching changes come as Tampa Bay attempts to climb the division standings after its 2-5 start.