Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera made a rare move on Monday morning with the in-season firing of first-year defensive line coach Brady Hoke and first-year secondary coach Jeff Imamura.
Rivera said Monday that he will also assume the responsibility of defensive playcalling for the rest of the season, a role that began on Sunday in Carolina’s 24-17 loss at Tampa Bay. The loss was the Panthers’ fourth straight, and fifth of six road games.
Defensive coordinator Eric Washington will remain in his position, Rivera said, but assume responsibility for the front seven (defensive line and linebackers).