Intel from Matt LaFleur extension talks indicates one underwhelming outcome that raises questions for the Packers
LaFleur got his long-term deal, but just part of the work has already been done.
The Green Bay Packers signed a long-term extension with head coach Matt LaFleur, and that was likely a smart decision given the alternatives. General manager Brian Gutekunst and executive vice president Russ Ball are also getting new deals.
But that doesn’t mean everything should stay the same. The coaching staff could take advantage of some sense of urgency, and even LaFleur didn’t rule out adjustments last week.
However, it doesn’t sound like this is where things are trending.
Management didn’t demand staff changes
Changes among assistant coaches will be up to LaFleur, though. In a piece about how the negotiations went, The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman mentioned that CEO and president Ed Policy isn’t demanding adjustments under LaFleur.
“In their recent meetings, Policy didn’t mandate LaFleur make changes with his staff, and a source said neither Gutekunst nor Ball would, either,” Schneidman wrote.
Staff question marks
After an underwhelming season and a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Chicago Bears, there were several questions (and some of them fair) over offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich, offensive line coach Luke Butkus, linebackers coach Sean Duggan, but especially special teams coordinator/assistant head coach Rich Bisaccia.
“That’s all the stuff that we’re focused on right now,” LaFleur said on Sunday when asked if he would keep Bisaccia. “Just going through everything, having the conversations with all our coaches, and then we’ll determine all that.”
LaFleur wasn’t asked to take action, so it will be up to him to make the needed changes.
On the other hand, not needed and wanted changes will probably happen, with defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley being considered a frontrunner for the Miami Dolphins head coaching job — and a finalist for the Tennessee Titans job as well.
The Packers have their head coach in place for the long run. Now, it’s time to build the best staff possible behind him, even if it’s not a call from upstairs.
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