The Green Bay Packers have officially entered their offseason, and after a loss to the Chicago Bears in the NFL playoffs, the biggest question remains: What will become of head coach Matt LaFleur?
LaFleur’s contract with the Packers reportedly runs through the end of the 2026 season, and no coach, executive or player enjoys the security – or lack thereof – of a one-year deal.
But, as it goes, plans change in the NFL. Could the wild-card loss vs. the Bears be the last that LaFleur coaches for the Packers?
Here’s what the Packers head coach said about his job security following the loss:
Will the Packers fire Matt LaFleur?
LaFleur’s job security entering the Packers’ matchup against the Bears in the wild-card round was seemingly strong, with the two sides reportedly set to discuss a contract extension that would keep him in Green Bay beyond 2026.
Rapoport added that LaFleur wouldn’t be ‘coaching for his job’ on Saturday night.
The head coach didn’t want to speak on his contract status or potential negotiations in the immediate aftermath of the loss to the Bears.
‘With all due respect to your question, Pete, now’s not the time for that,’ LaFleur said. ‘I’m just hurting for these guys. I can only think about what just happened, and there will be time for that.’
LaFleur didn’t answer further questions positing his job status or the team’s confidence in him, but said that being the head coach of the Packers ‘means everything’ to him.
If there’s any consolation for LaFleur, it’s that Packers president Ed Policy isn’t necessarily in favor of a coach entering a season on an expiring contract.
“I’m generally opposed – I’d never say never – [but] I’m generally opposed to a coach or GM going into the last year of their contract,’ Policy said in June 2025. ‘That creates a lot of issues. I think normally you have a pretty good idea of where that relationship is going when you have two years left – not always, but normally.
‘So I think generally speaking I would avoid ‘lame-duck’ status. It’s oftentimes difficult on everybody involved. But there are certain situations that probably call for it, so I would not say never.’
Could the team’s standing with LaFleur be one of those ‘certain situations?’ Only time will tell.
Matt LaFleur record
Under LaFleur’s watch, the Packers have been one of the most consistent franchises in the NFL. He has an overall record of 76-40-1 and has one season where the Packers have been sub-.500.
Here’s the year-by-year breakdown:
- 2019: 13-3, won NFC North, lost NFC championship
- 2020: 13-3, won NFC North, lost NFC championship
- 2021: 13-4, won NFC North, lost NFC divisional round
- 2022: 8-9, third place in NFC North
- 2023: 9-8, second place in NFC North, lost NFC divisional round
- 2024: 11-6, third place in NFC North, lost wild-card round
- 2025: 9-7-1, third place in NFC North, lost wild-card round
