Matt LaFleur will continue as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers after signing a multi-year contract extension on January 17, 2026. This decision comes precisely one week following a disappointing end to the Packers’ season, highlighted by a significant collapse that led to a 31-27 loss against the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Despite having led the Packers to the playoffs six times in seven seasons, LaFleur has faced criticism for the team’s inability to advance to the Super Bowl during his tenure. The Packers have struggled to progress past the first round in the playoffs over the last three years, having been the seventh and final seed in the NFC each time, resulting in a 1-3 playoff record.
The contract extension indicates that the Packers’ management still believes in LaFleur’s capabilities to steer the team towards postseason success. Former Packers offensive lineman TJ Lang, who played for the team from 2009 to 2016, endorsed the decision, stating that LaFleur is a talented coach. Lang emphasized the need for improvements, particularly suggesting a “toughen up” strategy for the offensive line, and proposed the return of James Campen, the former offensive line coach who had a successful tenure with the team from 2007 to 2017.
The reaction to LaFleur’s extension has been mixed, and even fans from rival teams, such as the Bears, have weighed in, noting the ongoing rivalry with the upcoming season.
With the support of the organization’s leadership, LaFleur now has the opportunity to implement changes and work towards elevating the Packers to their long-term aspirations of championship glory. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on how he responds to this pivotal moment in his coaching career.