Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera has hired Sean McDermott to coordinate his defense, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports.

Two seasons after replacing the legendary Jim Johnson, the 35-year old McDermott was relieved of his duties by the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday.

Philadelphia ranked 12th in total defense in each of McDermott's two seasons as coordinator, including during a 2010 season that saw starters Stewart Bradley, Broderick Bunkley, Brandon Graham, and Ellis Hobbs land on injured reserve.

McDermott had also drawn interest from Denver Broncos head coach John Fox, interviewing with Fox over the weekend.