Despite his limited playoff success as head coach of the Green Bay Packers, Matt LaFleur received a vote of confidence back in January, inking a multi-year contract extension with the franchise. However, following consecutive Wild Card exits in the postseason, doubts over the team’s future with LaFleur aren’t going away.
Below are three reasons why LaFleur isn’t the right head coach to lead the Packers.
Postseason Woes Are Only Getting Worse
Injuries have certainly played a significant role in the Packers’ lack of postseason success recently. While it’s hard to discount the loss of high-caliber players like Micah Parsons and Tucker Kraft, injuries are an issue every team has to tackle.
Furthermore, the failings outside of the regular season didn’t begin last year. After recording postseason victories in each of LaFleur’s first two seasons in Green Bay, the Packers have gone just 1-4 in the playoffs, with the last victory coming in 2023.
Since 2021, the Packers are one of only 11 NFL teams to play in five or more postseason games. Among the group, Green Bay has the fewest wins (1).
Declining Success in the Regular Season
In LaFleur’s first three seasons as head coach, he led the Packers to consecutive 13-win campaigns and two conference championship appearances. However, over the past four seasons, Green Bay has topped double-digit wins and advanced beyond the Wild Card round only once.
From 2019 to 2021, no team had more victories than the Packers, who went a remarkable 39-10 under LaFleur. Since then, they’re just 37-30-1, 12th best in the NFL.
Context matters, as player injuries, staff turnover, and pure bad luck have impacted the Packers. However, it’s hard to ignore a downward trend.
The Vibes Are Down Overall
For much of last season, the Packers looked like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. And with budding star quarterback Jordan Love leading the way under LaFleur’s tutelage, Green Bay seemed primed to compete for the top spot for the foreseeable future.
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
After an epic collapse to end the 2025 season, many aren’t as optimistic about the Packers’ chances. Entering Week 1, several power rankings list Green Bay 12th or lower, with The Athletic placing them at 17th.
Meanwhile, unresolved locker room issues may remain from the NFLPA’s 2026 survey leaked in March. LaFleur was one of only six head coaches to finish with a B- grade or lower in the “respect for players” category, down from an A- a year ago.
“I don’t feel that way, but unfortunately some guys did,” LaFleur told ESPN. “That tells me I’ve got to do a better job of communicating.”
