Matt LaFleur hot seat mention raises intriguing question about Packers coach’s job security after contract extension
Packers head coach got a new deal earlier this offseason, but there are still some question marks over what he’s accomplished in Green Bay.
The Green Bay Packers signed Matt LaFleur to a multi-year contract extension this offseason, yet the head coach still appeared on PFF’s list of NFL coaches worth monitoring entering 2026. LaFleur’s Packers tenure has produced a 65.4% win rate over seven seasons, playoff appearances in all but one year, and a top-10 offense by DVOA every season since 2019. So why is his name surfacing in hot seat conversations at all?
The answer traces back to how last season ended. After Micah Parsons suffered a torn ACL in Week 15, Green Bay lost five straight games, including blowing multiple double-digit leads against the Chicago Bears in the fourth quarter. The collapse culminated in a wild card loss to those same Bears, and the sting of that finish lingered throughout the offseason.
More importantly, though, is the big question: What would have to happen for the Packers to actually fire him?
PFF’s reasoning
Bradley Locker from PFF explained why LaFleur made the monitoring list despite the new deal. He’s not necessarily on an obvious hot seat, but things may get messy.
“The issue for LaFleur has been closing both games and seasons strongly. After Micah Parsons suffered a torn ACL in Week 15, Green Bay lost five straight matchups, including blowing multiple double-digit leads against Chicago in the fourth quarter. Similarly, not winning a playoff game since 2023 looms large.
“The Packers look like NFC contenders yet again as they bring back a strong group with All-Pro-caliber players across the field. The issue may not be reaching the postseason, but what happens when that arrives. If LaFleur can’t end his playoff win drought, it wouldn’t be stunning to see the franchise make a move — and instantly render LaFleur one of the most sought-after candidates on the market.” — Bradley Locker
The analysis raises fair points, but there are several layers to this discussion.
Why firing LaFleur remains highly unlikely
As Locker acknowledged, if the Packers decided to fire LaFleur, he would be an immediate candidate for several teams because he is a highly respected coach around the NFL. So the realistic question becomes what is the actual chance Green Bay could upgrade at the head coach position.
The Packers also tend to be a conservative franchise. Having just extended LaFleur, it’s difficult to imagine them paying two head coaches at the same time unless a truly disastrous season unfolds. A fine regular season followed by a playoff disappointment would likely not be enough. Something far more drastic than the 2025 collapse would need to happen for president and CEO Ed Policy to even consider the possibility of moving on.
There’s also the question of what type of coach the Packers would want as a replacement. Would they seek another offensive play-caller? A more CEO-style, “leader-of-men” head coach? Those are questions the organization would need to consider before pulling the trigger on such a significant decision.
LaFleur’s track record speaks for itself
LaFleur has made the playoffs every season except 2022, and that includes three postseason appearances with Jordan Love as the starting quarterback after navigating the transition from Aaron Rodgers. He guided the third-most efficient offense by EPA per play in 2025 despite Love missing multiple games. Green Bay has been a top-10 offense by DVOA in every season under LaFleur.
It’s understandable that some fans feel uncertainty. The Packers haven’t won a playoff game since 2023, and they haven’t claimed the NFC North since 2021. Those are legitimate frustrations. But LaFleur remains a safe choice with a high ceiling because of his offensive mind, and coaches with that combination are difficult to find.