Packers DC Pettine won't return in 2021

Mike Pettine's time with the Green Bay Packers is coming to an end.

The Packers won't renew the defensive coordinator's expiring contract in the offseason, the team announced Friday.

"We want to thank Mike for his commitment to the Packers for the last three seasons," head coach Matt LaFleur said in a statement. "He was an important part of our success. As a first-time head coach, he was also an invaluable resource for us during our time together."

Pettine spent the last three seasons on the Packers' sideline.

Though the 54-year-old improved Green Bay's scoring defense since joining the team, his unit has been heavily criticized for its performances in the playoffs.

The Packers, who've been eliminated in the NFC title game in each of the last two seasons, allowed 285 rushing yards in a loss to the San Francisco 49ers two years ago and suffered 31 points to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season.

Green Bay ranked ninth in total defense (334 yards per game) and 13th in scoring (23.1 points per contest) this campaign.

The club also dismissed special teams coordinator Shawn Mennenga earlier this week, promoting assistant Maurice Drayton to the vacant role.

Copyright (C) 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.