Packers' decision to keep Mike Pettine eases transition for defense

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- One overriding feeling swept through the defensive side of the Green Bay Packers locker room during the final month of the season -- that no matter how the season ended, it was just the beginning for them.

It was contingent, however, on one thing: Mike Pettine needed to remain at his defensive coordinator post.

No one really wanted to start over with a third defensive coordinator in as many seasons, especially after the strides that were made in Pettine’s first season, but they knew that possibility existed because of the coaching change.

That’s no longer a worry.

The Packers' defense was hampered by injuries but showed signs of improvement under Mike Pettine in his first…