Despite Speculation, Packers' Matt LaFleur Extension was Inevitable

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Multiple reports state the Green Bay Packers have agreed to a multi-year extension with Head Coach Matt LaFleur, as well as General Manager Brian Gutekunst, choosing to make a renewed commitment to both despite the former losing to the division rival Chicago Bears in the wild card round of the NFL playoffs last week.

Assuming the reports are true, speculation (and hope from some fans) about Matt LaFleur being fired or traded proved to be just that. Ultimately though, it was ultimately the most logical outcome for both the team and LaFleur himself. So logical in fact, we probably should never have doubted it.


The idea of Green Bay parting with LaFleur because of a playoff loss always seemed knee jerk and out of character for a franchise that has had just 15 head coaches (not counting interim coaches) in its nearly 107-year history. It is a team that knows the value of patience and stability when it comes to coaches.

At least in hindsight, it was kind of ridiculous to think they would be in a hurry to part ways with LaFleur. His team finished 9-8 this season and made the playoffs despite having the youngest roster in the league and 15 players finish the season on injured reserve, including the team's best offensive weapon, Tucker Kraft, and best defensive weapon, Micah Parsons. The winning record also came despite quarterback Jordan Love (concussion) missing a week plus most of one other game because of a concussion and the Packers resting players and starting a third-string quarterback in their meaningless Week 18 matchup at the Minnesota Vikings.

On the flip side of that, despite reports to the contrary, the Packers were always the first and best choice for LaFleur. Could he have made more money by forcing his way out of Green Bay? Probably. Would it have been even remotely as good of a situation? Probably not.

Nine teams were looking for a new head coach this off season - Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens. Most have questions at quarterback and only two, the Steelers and Ravens, have shown the same amount of patience as the Packers do with coaches. 

LaFleur ultimately would have been risking starting over from scratch with an owner who could potentially fire him after one season if he didn't produce immediate results. Instead of that, he's with a team that has a young, improving roster and values stability. It wasn't as difficult of a choice as some were making it.

The contract extension proves it.

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