Most people would love a contract extension from their employer. Then again, most people don't work for the New York Jets.
A source told Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News on Friday that Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has turned down an extension. His contract runs through the 2012 season.
There's been a ton of drama this year between Tim Tebow, Mark Sanchez, Rex Ryan and the not-very-talented offense. Pettine came to New York from the Baltimore Ravens with Ryan in 2009. The unit has ranked No. 1, No. 3 and No. 5 in total defense under Pettine.
Pettine admitted the defense has felt pressure to make up for the 28th-ranked scoring offense's struggles.
"I know it's frustrating that they feel like they have to do it," Pettine said Thursday. "In the past, maybe it affected me as a play-caller, where you feel like, 'Hey, listen I can't go too much risk-reward here because if we go down a certain amount, there's a reasonable chance we're not going to get back in it.'
"I think I changed that where we stayed aggressive maybe in times I wouldn't have. I just think it's human nature. I think it wears on our guys. They are competitive. They want to win. They want to do everything they can to help the team win. ... We just preach to our guys: Stay the course. ... When we get out there, it's more TV time for us."
It's never a good sign when a unit is playing for more TV time. All jokes aside, it has to be maddening to be a defense and know, regardless of how well you play, your chances of winning are slim.
Just another day in the life of the New York Jets.
Follow Kareem Copeland on Twitter @kareemcopeland.
