Shawn Slocum Fired: Packers Release Special Teams Coordinator

Special teams coordinator Shawn Slocum has been released from his duties with the Green Bay Packers, head coach Mike McCarthy announced Friday afternoon.

Slocum just completed his ninth year with the Packers this past season, but after allowing seven blocked kicks along with other frustrating miscues, McCarthy made the tough decision to let him go. The Dallas Morning News also ranked the unit 32nd in their annual rankings.

McCarthy and Slocum were coaches together at the University of Pittsburgh in 1990. McCarthy was the school's quarterbacks coach while Slocum was a graduate assistant. Their relationship has been strong for a very long time.

McCarthy released a statement after the firing:

"I would like to thank Shawn for all of his contributions over the past nine years," McCarthy said. "He was a positive contributor to our success, including helping us win Super Bowl XLV. We wish Shawn, Michelle and their family the best moving forward."

No announcement was made regarding Slocum's assistants Ron Zook and Jason Simmons. Zook could be the leading candidate to replace him after once being the head coach at the University of Florida and the University of Illinois.