The Green Bay Packers are strategically gearing up for the 2026 season after a lackluster performance in 2025. Central to this preparation is the critical decision on leadership and coaching personnel.
General manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur are both entering the final year of their respective contracts, making negotiations for extensions a priority. This situation adds complexity to the future of LaFleur, whose tenure has drawn mixed reviews in recent seasons.
Recent changes have stirred the team’s coaching and front office dynamics. Jon-Eric Sullivan, who previously served as the Packers’ vice president of player personnel, has been appointed the general manager of the Miami Dolphins. Additionally, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has attracted significant interest from multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins for head coaching interviews. However, the New York Giants opted for John Harbaugh instead, leaving Hafley still in contention for other vacancies.
The Packers are eager to secure LaFleur’s extension, but as of now, no agreement has been reached. Meanwhile, coaching staff changes have remained limited, with no additional departures reported thus far. However, there are movements within the organization, such as pro scout Venzell Boulware, who has decided to join Sullivan in Miami, highlighting the ongoing shifts within the team’s structure.
One notable development is the Dallas Cowboys’ interest in interviewing Packers defensive line coach and run game coordinator DeMarcus Covington for their defensive coordinator position, reflecting the growing recognition of talent within the Packers’ coaching ranks.
With the NFL season ahead, the Packers have the opportunity to re-evaluate their strategy and nurture their core leadership, positioning themselves for renewed success and stability in the coming years. This transition phase may ultimately yield promising prospects as they seek to align their coaching staff and management with a vision for advancement.