Reports: Bills Hire Ex-Jets Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Jets coach Rex Ryan wished outgoing defensive coordinator Mike Pettine "all the best" on Tuesday -- "unless he goes to Buffalo."
Guess what, Rex?
Pettine has been hired to be the Bills' new defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. Jets assistant defensive backs coach Jim O'Neil will be going with him, the New York Daily News reported.
Rob Ryan was fired as defensive coordinator by the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday, fueling debate whether a twin-brother tandem could make its way to the Jets. But that was quickly snuffed, as Rex Ryan is expected to promote defensive backs coach Dennis Thurman to head his defense.
On Twitter, Fox Sports insider Jay Glazer was concrete on what will — or rather, what won't happen: "And no Rex will NOT be hiring Rob Ryan."
Pettine will bring his brand of 'D' to the staff of new Bills head coach Doug Marrone, who was hired after a run with Syracuse University and called the AFC East rival Jets that "other team downstate" in a radio interview this week.
Under Pettine, Ryan's so-called right-hand man from 2009-12, the Jets have ranked No. 1, No. 3, No. 5 and No. 8 in total defense.
"We had conversations and, right now, Mike thinks it's best that he goes to a different team as a defensive coordinator," Ryan said during his season-ending press conference.
Will the Jets defense sorely miss Pettine next season? Be heard in the comments...
