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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 19: Head Coach Matt Lafleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on before a game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Once the Green Bay Packers’ 2025 season came to a close, team president and CEO Ed Policy had a decision to make — extend head coach Matt LaFleur or consider a new direction. Ultimately, LaFleur signed a multi-year deal to remain in Green Bay.
Speculation had been building for weeks leading up to the Packers’ Wild Card loss to the Chicago Bears. After another blown lead — this time against a bitter rival — and a five-game losing streak to end the year, it wasn’t unreasonable to wonder if LaFleur had coached his final game with the organization.
But internally, it appears that doubt never truly existed.
Packers Ed Policy Shows Strong Support for Matt LaFleur
At the NFL’s Annual League Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman reported that Policy made his stance crystal clear while speaking with media.
“Ed Policy just sat down with us here in Phoenix,” Schneidman said. “Said he was ‘shocked’ at question of whether he should fire Matt LaFleur. Said players sought him out to support LaFleur. Seems very confident LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst are right duo to lead the Packers to a Super Bowl.”
That level of confidence is notable — especially considering how last season ended.
It becomes even more interesting when paired with LaFleur’s own comments from the same meetings. When asked what the team needed to do to take the next step beyond a No. 7 seed, LaFleur pointed to something deeper than scheme or talent.
“I think, if I’m being honest about it, there was some guys who were upset about roles last year. I think that took a toll on our football team,” LaFleur said.
He didn’t name specific players, but he acknowledged the coaching staff shares responsibility in preventing that kind of frustration.
“I think from a coaching standpoint, role clarity is key. So, we obviously got to do a better job communicating with our players, hey, here’s your role. And if you’re unhappy about your role, it’s on you to do something about that, to carve out a bigger role on this football team. So, yeah, the buy-in is absolutely critical, getting guys who are juiced that are ready to work each and every day.”
Matt LaFleur’s Locker Room Comments Spark Debate Around Contract Extension
Despite Policy’s strong backing, LaFleur’s admission has sparked criticism and renewed debate about whether the extension was the right move.
The timing is hard to ignore. A late-season collapse, internal frustration and now public acknowledgment of locker room issues have created a different lens through which to view the decision to keep him long-term.
LaFleur, who holds a 76-40-1 record as head coach, addressed the uncertainty surrounding his future earlier this offseason.
“That was out of my control, so I tried not to worry about it too much,” LaFleur said at the league meeting. “I was confident in what we’ve been able to do. And certainly, are we satisfied? Hell no. Not even close. I mean, we always want more. Until you’re hoisting that Lombardi, you’re not going to be satisfied — and even then, you’re going to want to do it again.
“So, I’m certainly grateful for the opportunity. I love this organization. I love the city, the people, the community. But, I love our players, too. And going to work with Jordan Love every day is a pretty cool deal. I think he’s an unbelievable quarterback and an even better guy.”
Shane Shoemaker Shane Shoemaker is a sports journalist covering college football and the NFL for Heavy.com. His work has also appeared in The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, USA TODAY, and ClutchPoints, along with high school sports coverage for the Marion Tribune. More about Shane Shoemaker
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