The Carolina Panthers have made headlines across the NFL with a dramatic shake-up in their coaching staff during the 2025 offseason. In a move that caught many league insiders by surprise, several prominent assistant coaches have either departed or been let go, signaling a new direction for the struggling franchise. Chief among these departures was assistant offensive line coach Keli’i Kekuewa, who left the team to join the Jacksonville Jaguars in an unspecified role. Kekuewa had only spent one season in Carolina, but he was widely praised for his work helping to stabilize the offensive line—a unit that had been one of the few bright spots during a disappointing season.
Before his time in Carolina, Kekuewa gained experience with the Seattle Seahawks, and his coaching style quickly earned him respect in NFL circles. His move to Jacksonville is viewed as a step up, though the specific responsibilities of his new position have not been disclosed. His departure leaves a notable gap in the Panthers’ offensive coaching team, adding to the team’s growing list of vacancies.
In addition to Kekuewa’s exit, the Panthers parted ways with several defensive staff members, most notably assistant defensive backs coach DeAngelo Hall, safeties coach Bert Watts, outside linebackers coach Tem Lukabu, and defensive quality control coach Bobby Maffei. This sweeping overhaul comes on the heels of a disastrous defensive campaign, in which the Panthers gave up the most points in a single season in NFL history. While these firings were somewhat expected given the team’s performance, they reflect a clear directive from management to turn things around quickly.
Despite these firings, defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has managed to retain his position, likely due to his past success and the belief that he can lead a revamped defensive unit. Still, the pressure will be on him to show significant progress in 2025.
The Panthers have responded swiftly to fill the coaching voids, bringing in fresh talent in hopes of rejuvenating the locker room and improving results on the field. Among the new hires is former Los Angeles Rams assistant defensive line coach AC Carter, who will serve as the new outside linebackers coach. Additionally, the Panthers added former NFL cornerback Kevin Peterson as a defensive assistant, betting on his playing experience to connect with and develop the young secondary.
These changes are more than just personnel shuffles—they represent a fundamental shift in how the Panthers aim to build their team moving forward. With a front office committed to accountability and improvement, and a fan base hungry for success, these bold moves suggest the franchise is no longer content with mediocrity.
Only time will tell if this offseason overhaul will yield results, but for now, the Panthers have sent a clear message: no job is safe, and the team is serious about turning the page. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Carolina to see if these sweeping changes will bring about the long-awaited turnaround.
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