The Packers are locking in their leadership for the long haul.
Green Bay announced this afternoon that General Manager Brian Gutekunst, Head Coach Matt LaFleur, and Executive VP/Director of Football Operations Russ Ball have all signed multi-year contract extensions. It’s a clear signal: the organization believes in the trio steering the ship-and they’re not hitting the reset button anytime soon.
Packers President and CEO Ed Policy laid it out plainly: while the team is still feeling the sting of how the season ended, the front office remains united in its vision. “We are excited to extend our commitment to Brian, Matt and Russ as the leaders of our football operations,” Policy said.
“Their steadfast dedication, passion and collaboration have remained constant in our drive to compete at the highest level.” The message?
The foundation is strong, and the belief is that this group can deliver another Lombardi Trophy to Titletown.
Let’s break down what each leader brings to the table-and why the Packers are doubling down on this core.
Brian Gutekunst: The Architect
Gutekunst, who took over as GM in 2018, has been at the center of a transformative era in Green Bay. His tenure has included bold draft decisions, calculated free-agent moves, and a steady hand through a high-profile quarterback transition.
Since his promotion, the Packers have reached the playoffs six times-tied with Kansas City and Philadelphia for the second-most postseason appearances in the NFL during that stretch. Only Buffalo has more.
Gutekunst’s roster-building philosophy has kept Green Bay competitive through roster turnover and injuries. And while the team’s recent playoff exits have stung, the consistency in reaching the postseason speaks volumes about the stability he’s built.
Matt LaFleur: The Steady Hand on the Sideline
LaFleur took over as head coach in 2019 and hit the ground running. In his first seven seasons, he’s piled up 76 regular-season wins-tied with Paul Brown for the second-most by any head coach in their first seven years.
Only George Seifert had more (86). That’s elite company.
And it’s not just about win totals. LaFleur’s .654 winning percentage ranks fourth among active head coaches with at least 50 games under their belt.
From 2019 to 2025, the Packers posted the third-best regular-season record in the NFL and led the NFC during that span. That kind of consistency is rare in today’s league.
Under LaFleur, Green Bay has been a model of offensive efficiency. The Packers are the only team in the league to rank in the top 10 in total offense, scoring offense, giveaways, sacks allowed, third-down conversion rate, and red-zone touchdown efficiency since 2019. That’s not just good coaching-it’s elite-level game planning and execution.
They’ve also logged four 11-win seasons in that time-matching Philadelphia and San Francisco for the most in the NFC, and trailing only Buffalo and Kansas City across the league.
Russ Ball: The Cap Strategist and Behind-the-Scenes Force
While Gutekunst and LaFleur are more visible, Russ Ball has been a cornerstone behind the scenes. Entering his 38th NFL season and 19th with the Packers, Ball has been instrumental in managing the salary cap, structuring contracts, and keeping the financial side of the roster aligned with the team’s long-term goals.
Since joining Green Bay in 2008, Ball has helped guide the franchise to 14 playoff appearances, eight division titles, and a Super Bowl XLV championship. His experience stretches across multiple organizations, including stints with the Saints, Washington, Vikings, and Chiefs. That depth of experience has made him a trusted figure in Green Bay’s front office-and a key part of keeping the team competitive year in and year out.
The Big Picture
Together, Gutekunst, LaFleur, and Ball have built one of the NFL’s most consistently competitive teams over the past seven seasons. They’ve navigated roster turnover, high-stakes playoff runs, and the natural ebbs and flows of the league. And while the ultimate prize has eluded them in recent years, the Packers clearly believe this trio gives them the best shot at getting back to the mountaintop.
Extending all three leaders at once sends a message-not just to the locker room, but to the rest of the league. Green Bay isn’t rebuilding.
They’re reloading. And they’re doing it with the same core that’s already proven it can compete at the highest level.
The Packers are betting on continuity. And if recent history is any indication, it’s a bet that could pay off in a big way.