The Carolina Panthers suffered a bit of a loss with the departure of defensive coordinator Steve Wilks, who was named as the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals today. As a result, the Panthers were left with a pretty notable void going into the offseason, but they didn't take long to make a decision with defensive line coach Eric Washington.

They did not have to look very far for their next man. According to Jourdan Rodrigue of the Charlotte Observer, defensive line Washington is set to become the Panthers' new defensive coordinator:

Eric Washington will indeed be Carolina’s new defensive coordinator. A deal was constructed with Marty Hurney and Tina Becker two weeks ago for Washington, who was not under contract, to keep him in Carolina. I’m told the two worked hard to keep him in place.

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Three mystery players in the middle, Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase around them, Cincinnati skyline in the background
3 Cincinnati Bengals hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowEnzo Flojo ·
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman (7) makes a catch during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills in a 2025 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium
Ravens’ Lamar Jackson weapon gets $36.75 million contract extensionQuinn Allen ·
Reggie Bush smiles during the Hawkeye Hoops from Downtown event with the Iowa men's and women's basketball programs
Reggie Bush calls out ‘cheap’ NFL owners with urgent demandJaren Kawada ·
May 9, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson (R) speaks during the Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Bears fans loving Ben Johnson’s constructive Caleb Williams criticismBen Strauss ·
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) catches a touchdown pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Falcons rumors: What Adam Schefter is hearing on Kyle Pitts injury, trade rumorsBen Strauss ·
Ohio State Buckeyes offensive lineman Josh Simmons (71) lines up during the NCAA football game at Indiana University Memorial Stadium. Ohio State won 23-3.
Chiefs’ Matt Nagy gushes over Josh Simmons after seeing ‘phenomenal’ filmMatty Breisch ·

This will be Washington's first season as an NFL defensive coordinator after serving as Carolina's defensive line coach from 2011-2017. Needless to say, he has helped construct one of the most formidable units in the entire league.

Under the tutelage of Washington, the Panthers' finished second in the NFL amongst defensive lines for sacks this season, recording 40.0 of the team's 50.0 sacks. Not only did they produce a hounding pass rush, but they were equally as formidable in stopping the run. Carolina's defense finished third in the league this year by allowing just 88.1 rushing yards per game.

Furthermore, he has helped groom defensive tackle Kawann Short and defensive end Mario Addison into two of the better players at their positions. That said, it is safe to assume the Panthers will be in good hands on the defensive side of the ball moving forward with Washington in charge.