Sanders sent Packing

Sanders: Fired by Green Bay

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Bob Sanders has been fired as defensive co-ordinator of the Green Bay Packers after a disappointing season at Lambeau Field.

The Packers endured a woeful 6-10 season in 2008, after reaching the NFC Championship game last season with a 13-3 campaign.

Although Green Bay had new starter Aaron Rodgers at quarterback after the loss of the legendary Breet Favre, they still massively underperformed, and the recriminations are well under way.

Sanders leaves after three seasons in charge of the Packers defence - and in fact his whole defensive coaching staff have been let go in a clear-out ahead of the new season.

Also fired by the Packers are defensive ends coach Carl Hairston, defensive tackles coach Robert Nunn, secondary coach Kurt Schottenheimer, cornerbacks coach Lionel Washington and strength and conditioning coach Rock Gullickson.

"These are difficult decisions," said Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.

"I hold each of these men in high regard on a personal level, and I want thank them for their service to the Green Bay Packers."

While Rodgers performed well in the absence of Favre, the normally stout Packers defence was well below its best - finishing 22nd in points allowed (23.8), 20th in yardage allowed (334.3 ypg) and 26th in rushing yards allowed (131.6).

McCarthy and the Packers hope that a change of direction will help shore up the defence to help turn things around next season.