Mike LaFleur started assembling the Cardinals’ coaching staff later than typical, but he says the delay let him find strong fits and he’s already landed offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett while evaluating defensive coordinator Nick Rallis as the staff comes together.
Gutekunst described the season-ending slide as tough to swallow, stressing the need to finish seasons as well as games and to examine multiple angles behind the late collapse. He said injuries weren’t the sole reason for the skid and highlighted December–January performance as an area to improve. He praised Rich Bisaccia and the special teams staff, signaling stability there amidst coaching changes. Finally, he emphasized continuity with Matt LaFleur and Russ Ball, noting contract extensions will allow the organization to finish what they started and push toward the next step.
Arizona Cardinals players have voiced strong backing for newly appointed head coach Mike LaFleur, texting and FaceTiming him as he emphasizes building a united staff and starting his tenure with a clear, football-focused vision.
The Green Bay Packers announced multi-year contract extensions for GM Brian Gutekunst, Head Coach Matt LaFleur and Executive VP Russ Ball, signaling continued leadership after a season that ended disappointingly. President Ed Policy praised their dedication and collaboration as the club pursues another championship. Gutekunst has overseen a legacy of playoff berths and a Super Bowl title, LaFleur has guided the team to a string of strong regular-season records, and Ball—in Green Bay for 19 seasons—has helped deliver playoff success and a Super Bowl title, with the trio now set to lead the franchise into the coming years.
Negotiations between the Packers and Matt LaFleur are dragging, with the main hang-up over contract length rather than annual pay. Insiders peg LaFleur’s market around $14–$15 million per year, while Green Bay has floated short extensions, highlighting the guaranteed money question and potential pivots (e.g., Jeff Hafley) if a longer deal isn’t feasible. Comparisons to other high-profile coaching deals underscore the financial and firing-cost dynamics shaping whether the team goes all-in on a longer commitment.
After Green Bay's playoff loss to the Texans, Aaron Rodgers blasted the hot-seat chatter surrounding coaches like Matt LaFleur and Mike Tomlin, arguing that media coverage and social-media speculation drive the narrative. LaFleur texted ProFootballTalk's Mike Silver that Rodgers' comments left him 'speechless' and grateful for the compliment, noting their history in Green Bay. Rodgers defended their success and argued that outside pressure—not loyalty—drives coaching changes, highlighting the league's culture of constant scrutiny.
The Green Bay Packers lost a close game to the Eagles 10-7, with coach Matt LaFleur praising the defense but criticizing the offense for making too many mistakes, acknowledging the need for improvement and better coaching.