Packers Evaluating LaFleur’s Future After Wild-Card Loss

The Green Bay Packers are facing a tough decision regarding Matt LaFleur’s future as their head coach following a wild-card loss to the Bears. Interestingly, right after the game, LaFleur wasn’t keen to discuss it.

“I appreciate your question, but now’s not the time. I’m just feeling for the team. I mean, my thoughts are really focused on what happened, and there’s definitely time to reflect on that,” LaFleur mentioned to the media.

LaFleur, who took over as head coach in 2019, had built an 18-point lead by halftime and seemed set for their first playoff win since 2023, particularly as the Bears struggled to make any offensive gains against the Packers’ defense, failing mostly on fourth down attempts.

However, the dynamics shifted drastically in the fourth quarter. The Bears managed to score 25 points, with Caleb Williams throwing two touchdowns, one of them to DJ Moore with just 1:43 remaining on the clock.

Jordan Love, who had a solid outing with 323 yards and four touchdowns, moved the Packers to the Bears’ 23-yard line with about 20 seconds left. Unfortunately, he couldn’t convert that opportunity into a game-winning touchdown, marking Green Bay’s fifth consecutive loss. It was quite a surprising turn in what had started off as a winning streak.

Despite LaFleur’s impressive 76-40-1 regular-season record, he has struggled in the postseason. His playoff record stands at 3-6, which includes two NFC Championship Game appearances but no further advancement.

After the game, Love voiced his support for LaFleur’s continued leadership, insisting that he should remain as head coach despite rumors about potential changes.

According to NFL Network, while LaFleur isn’t coaching for his job, the Packers plan to sit down with him after the season to discuss a contract extension.

Yet, it’s uncertain if the disappointing second-half performance at Soldier Field has shifted the organization’s perspective.

When asked about his feelings regarding the Packers job, LaFleur stated, “It means everything to me. To me, this is the greatest organization in the world. I’m really humbled. I’m disappointed right now, primarily in everyone connected with the Packers—the locker room, the fans, our leadership, our staff. I’m just disappointed in all of it.”

On the other side, the Bears advanced to the divisional round, achieving their seventh fourth-quarter comeback this season. Williams rebounded from two early interceptions in his playoff debut to secure a couple of late touchdowns.

If the Eagles, who are seeded third, prevail against the 49ers on Sunday, the Bears will face Philadelphia in the divisional round. Alternatively, if sixth-seeded San Francisco wins, Chicago will host the fifth-seeded Rams next weekend.