Mike Pettine hired as Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator

Buffalo, NY, United States (4E Sports) – Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has agreed to a three-year deal with the Buffalo Bills.

He turned down a contract extension with the New York Jets over money issues. But observers feel Pettine also wants to escape Ryan’s shadow.

Pettine has served under Ryan for four seasons.

“We had conversations and, right now, Mike thinks it’s best that he goes to a different team as a defensive coordinator, and I wish him all the best — unless he goes to Buffalo,” Ryan joked.

Jets secondary coach Dennis Thurman is expected to be named the team’s defensive coordinator in place of Pettine.

Thurman has worked with Jets coach Rex Ryan longer than any of the other defensive coaches. Ryan said he will wait until the next general manager is hired before making anything official.

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