Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur is bringing back Mike Pettine to be his defensive coordinator in 2020, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.
Earlier Wednesday, LaFleur was non-committal when asked whether Pettine would return next season. Demovsky reports LaFleur and Pettine met later Wednesday and determined to move forward with the partnership in 2020.
In retaining Pettine, the Packers will keep continuity on a defense that improved to ninth in points allowed, seventh in takeaways, sixth in opposing passer rating and red-zone scoring percentage and third in interceptions.
However, Pettine’s defense collapsed in several games, including during Sunday’s hugely disappointing loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The Packers gave up 285 rushing yards and 37 points with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line.
LaFleur said the defense’s performance wasn’t good enough and he was bothered by the group’s lack of urgency and energy during the 37-20 defeat.
Other red flags: The Packers ranked 22nd in yards allowed per play and 26th in yards per carry, and they gave up 60 points and over 700 yards in two playoff games.
Pettine was originally hired by former coach Mike McCarthy in 2018, replacing Dom Capers. With significant personnel additions, the Packers improved in almost every significant defensive coordinator between 2018 and 2019.
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