Packers will hire Mike Pettine as defensive coordinator, per report

According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Green Bay Packers are planning on hiring former Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine as their defensive coordinator.

Pettine will replaced the fired Dom Capers as head coach Mike McCarthy fills the biggest hole on his coaching staff.

Pettine led the Browns for two seasons from 2014-2015. He had the Browns positioned at 7-4 in 2014 before losing their final five games and then going 3-13 the following season which saw Pettine fired at its conclusion.

Packers fans, do not let his tenure in Cleveland fool you. Before taking the Browns job, Pettine was the defensive coordinator for Rex Ryan with the New York Jets from 2009-2012 and for Doug Marrone with the Buffalo Bills in 2013. His defenses’ DVOA from those five seasons in order were: 1st, 5th, 2nd, 9th and 4th.

Pettine has been out of football since being let go by the Browns, but he did spend this season with Seattle Seahawks studying their defensive concepts.

While not the hiring of Vic Fangio many wanted, this is still a hire that should please Packers fans.

The fate of current Packers defensive staff members remains unclear. Some will likely have the chance to interview with Pettine, but he will also likely bring in some of his own staff members as well.

As a disciple of the Ryan defense, expect Pettine to bring a much more aggressive style to the Green Bay defense. He’s also known to adjust his scheme to the opponent and emphasizes pressure on the quarterback.