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3 reasons Packers’ defensive coordinator Mike Pettine should be fired

By Brian Sampson

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine of the Green Bay Packers looks on during pregame warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine of the Green Bay Packers looks on during pregame warms up prior to the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine talks to GM Brian Gutekunst during practice at Clarke Hinkle Field on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 in Ashwaubenon, Wis.Gpg Packerspractice 092618 Abw214 /

1. Lack of player development

The Packers have spent a lot of resources to improve their defense and have had varying degrees of success. Yes, Jaire Alexander is a stud and Kevin King has turned into a good player (when healthy), but there have been a ton of players who haven’t developed under Pettine’s watch.

Josh Jones (2017 second round pick), Montravius Adams (2017 third round pick), Josh Jackson (2018 second round pick), Oren Burks (2018 second round pick) and even someone like Darnell Savage (2019 first round pick) are all high selections that have spent either the entirety or the majority of their career under Pettine without developing like originally projected. (I won’t even mention that Rashan Gary isn’t getting nearly enough playing time after outplaying Preston Smith all season long.) Sure, a lot of that falls on the scouting department, but the coaches also have to take responsibility for developing their players as well.

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This has all led to an underachieving unit that has way more talent than their results suggest. Head coach Matt LaFleur thought long and hard after the 2019 season whether he should bring Pettine back. Barring a huge change, his decision is a walk in the park this time around.

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