Packers Make Unexpected Coaching Decision
The Packers made an unexpected coaching decision this week.
Despite critical comments about the defense from head coach Matt LaFleur, Green Bay will not be firing defensive coordinator Mike Pettine this offseason.
Fresh off a disappointing NFC Championship Game defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, LaFleur made headlines when he suggested that a change at DC was not out of the question.
“We’re still working through everything right now, just trying to evaluate everything,” LaFleur said.
“It just wasn’t good enough, especially when you get to a championship game like that and you know what’s at stake. Just all across the board.”
Matt LaFleur asked if he’s sticking with DC Mike Pettine: “We’re still working through everything, just trying to evaluate everything.”
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) January 22, 2020
Can confirm #Packers are retaining Mike Pettine as defensive coordinator, as @RobDemovsky first reported. Defense made strides from first year to second in Pettine’s system. Pettine will now get a third year.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) January 22, 2020
On Wednesday, LaFleur came back and clarified his earlier remarks.
Despite his squad giving up an average of 30 points in back-to-back games against the Seattle Seahawks and 49ers, there will be no major changes on the defensive side of the ball.
Yet.
That said, Pettine is obviously on a short leash at this point. Things on that side of the ball need to improve.
If things don’t change defensively early next season, don’t be surprised if LaFleur ultimately pulls the trigger and gets himself a new coordinator.
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A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.
