Giants fans might breathe a little easier—there’s not exactly a prime job waiting in the chilly north.
The Packers and head coach Matt LaFleur are set to talk about an extension after the current season, which seems to be aligned with both parties wanting to continue their working relationship. LaFleur, who’s got a contract that lasts until the end of the 2026 season, boasts a solid record of 76 wins, 40 losses, and 1 tie. He’s often thought to be among the stronger coaches in the NFL.
Though LaFleur has another year on his deal, he’s not scheduled to coach in the game against the No. 2 Bears this Saturday night.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, “Green Bay appreciates LaFleur, respects his abilities, and feels he fits well with both the organization and the community.”
There’s hope that if everything goes smoothly, this partnership might endure for the long haul.
Of course, rumors are swirling that the Packers’ job could be on the table after the season, which could potentially alter the landscape for a coaching search involving John Harbaugh.
LaFleur, who is 46, has led the Packers to playoffs in six of his seven seasons, amassing that impressive regular season record, yet he hasn’t found success in the postseason. It’s been rough recently; Green Bay is entering the playoffs as the No. 7 seed for the third consecutive season and has lost four of its last five playoff matchups.
The unfortunate situation in Chicago and LaFleur’s existing year on his contract might create a scenario where separating could seem appealing to both sides.
Despite a loss to a key rival, the report suggests that the Packers still hold a favorable opinion of LaFleur.
That said, financial negotiations could be complicated; there might be differing opinions on the worth of the coach.
Additionally, Green Bay opted against extending his contract last season, largely due to a change in leadership at the CEO level, giving new CEO Ed Policy a chance to observe LaFleur in action.
As Wild Card weekend approaches, a total of eight head coaching positions are open, and should these teams stumble in the first round, the focus will likely shift to Green Bay, Buffalo, and Pittsburgh.
While Harbaugh is viewed as the top coaching candidate this year, others like former Browns coach Kevin Stefanski and Super Bowl champion Mike McCarthy are also under consideration.
