GREEN BAY, Wis. – As the Green Bay Packers wrapped up a disappointing season following their recent playoff exit, tight end Tucker Kraft addressed the speculation surrounding the future of head coach Matt LaFleur. Kraft dismissed much of the criticism directed at LaFleur, labeling it as “pretty silly.”
This conversation gained momentum after the Packers were eliminated in the postseason for the second year in a row, following a disappointing series of results. Despite the tumult, players exhibited unwavering support for LaFleur, who has successfully led the team to the playoffs in six of his seven seasons. Safety Xavier McKinney reaffirmed this sentiment, asserting, “He’s still a good-ass coach.”
The team ended the season on a five-game losing streak, leading to discussions about accountability on the field. Defensive end Micah Parsons emphasized that while coaching plays a role, players must also accept responsibility for their performances. He pointed out that the recently concluded playoff game saw the Packers score 27 points, highlighting the missed opportunities on special teams that could have altered the outcome.
Parsons also conveyed a personal outreach to LaFleur, reinforcing his belief in the coach’s capability to lead the team to greater heights, including a potential Super Bowl run. “Matt’s one of the best guys and people – like, as a person – I’ve been around since I’ve been in this league,” Parsons acknowledged. This sentiment was echoed by receiver Jayden Reed and cornerback Keisean Nixon, who pointed to LaFleur’s playoff success as merit for his return next season.
Players like McKinney and Kraft highlighted LaFleur’s dedication and approachability. McKinney noted, “He’s a player’s coach. We all have really good relationships with him.” Kraft echoed this, praising LaFleur’s consistent support and commitment to player development, stating, “He comes in with the right mentality every single day.”
The coaching style of LaFleur has not only fostered a close-knit team atmosphere but has also been instrumental in nurturing players’ growth within the complex offensive scheme. Kraft expressed confidence in LaFleur’s capabilities, remarking, “I think Matt’s an outstanding head coach. There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll remain here as a Packer.”
As LaFleur addressed the team during their final meeting, he focused on appreciation for their efforts rather than his uncertain future, encouraging players to channel their frustrations into motivation for improvement in the offseason. Receiver Christian Watson echoed a need for collective accountability, emphasizing that success involves the entire organization, not just the head coach.
With a strong foundation of player support and a clear desire for continuous improvement, the Packers head into the offseason with hopes of refining their approach and building on lessons learned from a challenging season. This resilient outlook highlights the determination within the organization to bounce back and strive for success in the future.