Following the Green Bay Packers’ monumental late-season collapse last year, Matt LaFleur’s future as head coach was in limbo. Even after signing a multi-year extension in January, doubt remains over the investment, but there’s plenty of evidence indicating it was the right move.
Below are three reasons why LaFleur is still the right man to lead the Packers.
LaFleur’s Role in QB Jordan Love’s Growth is Immeasurable
Love didn’t become the Packers’ full-time starter until his third NFL season, despite being a first-round pick in the 2020 draft. Blocked by future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers his first two seasons, Love was eased into the starting role by LaFleur, and it’s paid off in a big way.
The 27-year-old is one of only nine quarterbacks in NFL history to throw for at least 83 passing touchdowns and 11,535 yards, while recording a 64 percent completion percentage and a passer rating of 96 or higher over their first 57 career games. Love earned a spot on an impressive list that includes Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Dak Prescott, Deshaun Watson, and Tua Tagovailoa.
Love has earned a lot of success on his own. However, it is impossible to tell his story thus far without mentioning LaFleur, who told NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo back in March that the two trusted one another “quite a bit” while describing their relationship as “really strong.”
“It’s been cool to watch his evolution, not only as a player but as a man,” LaFleur said. “From the time we drafted him to where he is now – But he’s really developed into a really good leader for us.”
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Head Coach and Quarterback Continuity
In the NFL, the quarterback is king when it comes to level of importance. The runner-up, perhaps, is the relationship between the QB and head coach.
Seemingly, the two get along fine, as Love expressed happiness regarding LaFleur’s contract extension this offseason, calling it “great” in an interview with Kyle Malzahn of WFRV. However, Love also stressed the importance of continuity.
“I think anytime in the NFL — I’ve done this in college — where the coaches leave, and you’re in a new system, it’s tough,” Love said. “It’s a lot to be able to learn a whole new system, a new terminology.”
To continue Love’s growth as a quarterback and leader, now and in the future, it’s hard to argue against LaFleur being the best candidate to lead that charge.
LaFleur Has Proven Success in the Regular Season
Success in the postseason is the name of the game, but you must first figure out a way to win consistently during the regular season to get there. Entering his eighth season with the Packers, LaFleur has proven he can produce a playoff-worthy team yearly.
Since taking over in 2019, LaFleur has led the Packers to a 76-40-1 record. Green Bay’s 76 wins over that time frame are tied with the Baltimore Ravens for the third-most in the NFL, trailing the Kansas City Chiefs (84 wins) and Buffalo Bills (83 wins).
Playoff exits are no fun. But missing the postseason entirely is much less fun.
For now, the Packers have a proven commodity in LaFleur, one that almost guarantees they’ll be in the hunt, season after season.
