GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) -- Mike Pettine is staying as defensive coordinator of the Packers.
New coach Matt LaFleur announced the decision Friday, answering one of his biggest questions just three days after being hired.
In his first year, Pettine installed a 3-4 scheme and had mixed results. First-round draft pick Jaire Alexander showed signs he will become the top cornerback the Packers desperately need, and Green Bay was ranked No. 12 in pass defense (234.5 yards per game), a big improvement over 2017.
The Packers also piled up 44 sacks, tied for eighth in the league, though injuries struck the defensive line. Green Bay lacked a consistent rush at outside linebacker except for surprise sacks leader Kyler Fackrell (10 1/2). Clay Matthews is also a free agent after finishing with a career-low 3 1/2 sacks in his 10th season with the Packers.
Green Bay finished 6-9-1 and out of the playoffs for the second straight year.
