Evan Cooper comes to the Panthers as the cornerbacks coach after spending the past three seasons on head coach Matt Rhule's staff at Baylor.
Most recently, Cooper spent the last two years serving as an assistant cornerbacks coach for the Bears, as well as the team's recruiting coordinator. With Coopers' assistance, the Bears defense finished third in the nation in interceptions (17) and second in turnovers gained (30), and cornerback Grayland Arnold ranked fifth in the country in interceptions (6). Cooper also spent time helping coach the defensive line. As a recruiting coordinator, Cooper helped Baylor secure three straight top-35 recruiting classes during Rhule's tenure in Waco.
Prior to working with Baylor as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, Cooper served as the team's director of player personnel during the 2017 season – a role he had previously held under Rhule at Temple during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. Cooper spent the first half of 2015 with the University of Miami before returning to Temple.
In 2013, Cooper was a part of Rhule's initial staff at Temple as a graduate assistant, working with the defense, before being promoted to director of external operations in 2014.
As a player, Cooper was a four-year letterwinner for the Owls from 2005-2008. As a senior, Cooper had 44 tackles, including 31 solos, three break-ups, and two forced fumbles, earning the 2008 Carlos Diaz Award as the most improved player following his final season.
Cooper received his degree in sport and recreation management from Temple in 2009.
