Why Sticking with Matt LaFleur Was the Right Move for the Packers - And What the Rest of the NFL Coaching Carousel Tells Us
The Green Bay Packers had a decision to make this offseason - one that could’ve reshaped the trajectory of the franchise. After another playoff exit, questions swirled around Matt LaFleur’s future in Titletown.
But instead of hitting the reset button, the Packers chose continuity. And when you stack that decision against what unfolded across the rest of the NFL, it’s hard not to see why sticking with LaFleur made a lot of sense.
This offseason was historic in terms of head coaching turnover. Ten teams - that’s right, ten - changed head coaches, tying the all-time record for most openings in a single cycle.
Every one of those vacancies is now filled. So, let’s take a step back and ask: If LaFleur had been let go, how many of those teams would’ve jumped at the chance to bring him in?
And more importantly, would any of those hires have been a clear upgrade for Green Bay?
No-Brainer Hires: Teams That Would’ve Snatched Up LaFleur in a Heartbeat
Let’s start with the obvious. There are four teams that, had LaFleur hit the market, likely wouldn’t have even blinked before handing him the keys.
1. Cleveland Browns
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. Tennessee Titans
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
In Cleveland, the hire of Todd Monken felt like a fallback option - a move made after other doors closed. LaFleur, with multiple conference title game appearances and a strong offensive pedigree, would’ve been a major upgrade.
Arizona went with a first-time head coach. That’s a bold move, but when you compare that to someone who’s already proven he can win - and win consistently - LaFleur would’ve been the safer, more experienced option.
Pittsburgh decided to bring back Mike McCarthy, a coach with a Super Bowl ring but also a resume that’s been treading water for a while. LaFleur’s offensive creativity and ability to develop a young quarterback would’ve been a better fit for a team that’s trying to modernize its approach.
Tennessee, meanwhile, went with Robert Saleh. But given the league-wide tilt toward offensive-minded head coaches and the Titans’ need to develop Cam Ward, LaFleur’s résumé likely would’ve been more appealing.
And if you’re a Packers fan looking at these four hires, you have to ask yourself: Would any of these new coaches make you feel better about the future than LaFleur does? Probably not.
The “What Was the Plan?” Club
5. Buffalo Bills
Buffalo’s decision to part ways with Sean McDermott was bold - the kind of move a franchise makes when it believes it’s one voice away from getting over the hump. But the follow-up?
Hiring Joe Brady? That felt improvised at best.
If Brady was the plan all along, then why did Phillip Rivers' name even surface? That kind of noise doesn’t happen unless the front office was scrambling.
And that’s the problem - there didn’t seem to be a clear vision. If LaFleur had been available, it’s hard to imagine Buffalo not making a serious run at him.
Pairing his offensive mind with Josh Allen could’ve been the kind of move that reignites a team that’s been stuck just short of elite.
Good Hires, But Experience Still Matters
6. Las Vegas Raiders
7. Miami Dolphins
8. Baltimore Ravens
These three teams made intriguing hires, leaning into youth and potential. And there’s a lot to like about each of them. But when push comes to shove, experience matters - especially when you’re trying to win right now.
LaFleur’s track record - three 13-win seasons, multiple playoff runs, and the development of Jordan Love - gives him a leg up. For teams like the Raiders and Dolphins, who are either bringing in new quarterbacks or trying to maximize a competitive window, that kind of experience is invaluable.
Baltimore is a bit of a different case. They’re already a contender, but even there, LaFleur’s offensive chops and ability to work with young QBs would’ve been hard to ignore.
Of the three hires, Klint Kubiak in Baltimore might be the only one that would’ve made sense for Green Bay - a young, innovative mind with a strong coaching pedigree. But even then, it’s not a slam dunk over LaFleur.
Preference Plays: Where It’s All About Fit
9. New York Giants
10. Atlanta Falcons
These two are interesting. John Harbaugh’s name floated around the Packers job for a reason - his camp was clearly interested. But when you stack his recent playoff performances next to LaFleur’s, the gap isn’t as wide as some might think.
Yes, Harbaugh has a Super Bowl ring. But that was over a decade ago, and it required a once-in-a-lifetime playoff run from Joe Flacco.
Since then? It’s been a string of early exits and questions about postseason readiness - the same critiques LaFleur has faced.
Given the choice between the two, LaFleur’s youth, offensive mind, and recent success developing a new quarterback make him the better long-term bet.
As for Kevin Stefanski in Atlanta, he’s a tough one to judge. Two-time Coach of the Year, playoff appearances with the Browns - that’s real success.
But the way Cleveland’s quarterback situation has been handled raises red flags. We don’t know how much of that falls on Stefanski, but it’s fair to say things haven’t exactly ended smoothly.
If Atlanta had the choice between Stefanski and LaFleur, it’s easy to imagine them leaning LaFleur’s way.
The Bottom Line for Green Bay
So when you line it all up - ten coaching hires, ten teams looking for a spark - there are really only two (Kubiak and Stefanski) that might’ve been worth a serious look if the Packers had decided to move on. And even then, it’s hard to argue either would’ve been a definitive upgrade.
That’s why Green Bay made the right call. Could they have made a change just for the sake of change?
Sure. But there’s no guarantee it would’ve moved them closer to a Super Bowl.
In fact, it might’ve set them back.
LaFleur has shown he can win. He’s shown he can adapt. And most importantly, he’s shown he can develop a quarterback - something that’s never been more valuable in today’s NFL.
This Packers team is close. You can feel it.
And giving LaFleur one more year to see if he can finally push them over the top? That’s not just a safe move - it’s a smart one.