The Green Bay Packers may not be making a head coaching change after all.
As the New York Giants move toward finalizing a deal with John Harbaugh to become their next head coach, a name that had been floated by some Packers fans as a potential replacement for Matt LaFleur is officially off the board. But it turns out Green Bay might not be in the market for a new head coach anyway.
Despite the sting of a 31-27 Wild Card loss to the Chicago Bears - a game in which the Packers let a late lead slip away - LaFleur appears to be closing in on a contract extension that would keep him in Green Bay beyond the final year of his current deal in 2026.
That loss to Chicago raised real questions about LaFleur’s future. It wasn’t just the playoff exit - it was how it happened.
A team that had shown resilience down the stretch of the regular season faltered when it mattered most. And with Ed Policy stepping in as the new President and CEO, there was added urgency.
Policy has made it clear he’s not a fan of “lame duck” seasons for head coaches, which meant the organization had a decision to make: extend LaFleur or move on.
For a few days, silence filled that space. Negotiations between LaFleur and the Packers were ongoing, but with no official word, speculation grew.
Was the team waiting to see if a bigger name became available? Was LaFleur weighing his options?
Now, it seems we have some clarity.
According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, the Packers and LaFleur are nearing a deal that would keep him in Green Bay. Speaking on ESPN’s Milwaukee affiliate, Demovsky said talks have progressed to the point where it would now be “surprising” if LaFleur isn’t back in 2026.
“I think they’re headed toward Matt LaFleur being the Packers coach in 2026 and perhaps beyond,” Demovsky said. “There are some details that still need to be worked out, but it feels like it’s trending that way. I think we’ll have a resolution fairly soon - possibly in the next 24 to 48 hours.”
That timeline aligns with what we’ve seen from the Packers in the past - a methodical, detail-oriented approach that doesn’t rush big decisions but also doesn’t leave the organization in limbo. And this isn’t just about LaFleur. There are other pieces to sort out, including potential contract extensions for general manager Brian Gutekunst and executive Russ Ball, who’s been instrumental in managing the team’s salary cap.
Then there’s the coaching staff. As is often the case after a playoff exit, the front office and head coach are evaluating who stays and who goes. That process is still ongoing, but it’s another sign that the organization is treating this as a continuation rather than a reset.
If LaFleur does return - and all signs now point in that direction - the focus will quickly shift to what comes next. Can the Packers build on the progress they made this season? Can LaFleur take this group, led by a young quarterback and a retooled defense, deeper into January next time around?
For now, though, the biggest question appears close to being answered. Matt LaFleur is on track to remain the head coach in Green Bay. And while the final details are still being ironed out, it looks like the Packers are choosing continuity over change - betting that LaFleur is still the right man to lead them into the next chapter.