On Saturday, Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur was safe for 2026 regardless of the outcome of their wild-card matchup against the Chicago Bears.

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“Sources say the Packers plan to engage head coach Matt LaFleur in contract discussions shortly after the season ends, with the mutual goal of extending his contract…Yet there is one truth that should not be discounted: LaFleur is not coaching for his job tonight, sources say,” Rapoport wrote.

Then the unthinkable happened on Saturday night at Soldier Field.

Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers speaks with head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens

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The Packers took a 21-3 lead into halftime before allowing the Bears to outscore them 25-6 in the fourth quarter, giving Chicago a 31-27 win.

Per NFL insider Ben Dogra, the Packers’ job might become available for John Harbaugh if the former Baltimore Ravens head coach wants it.

“Was told earlier today by a good source that if Harbaugh is interested in the Packers job … it might be available if the Packers lose ….this might be best available job in the NFL,” Dogra wrote on social media.

LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst are under contract for the 2026 season. If Harbaugh is interested, president Ed Policy could fire both to bring in Harbaugh and a general manager he aligns with. 

During the offseason, Policy suggested he didn’t like the idea of having a head coach and general manager operate under a lame-duck status. Gutekunst responded, trading two first-round draft picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark for star pass-rusher Micah Parsons. 

Parsons suffered a torn ACL against the Denver Broncos on Dec. 14. As a result, the Packers ended their season with five consecutive losses, including two unfathomable defeats to the Bears, their hated NFC North rival. 

LaFleur doesn’t appear to be in a great position to ask for a raise after blowing a late lead to the Bears. The head coach avoided answering questions about his future with Green Bay and potential contract negotiations during his postgame news conference.

In the meantime, Harbaugh has been patiently waiting to explore his options for 2026, planning to narrow his list of teams before starting the interview process. It appears Green Bay is open for Harbaugh if he wants the job, which would be one of the most coveted gigs in the NFL.

If Harbaugh isn’t interested, Lafleur could get another chance in 2026. But that might mean he coaches with a lame-duck status, something Policy doesn’t desire.

Harbaugh has gained interest from the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins. Harbaugh is the No. 1 option for New York, with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski as the No. 2 option. 

On Friday, the Dolphins hired Jon-Eric Sullivan away from Green Bay to become their new general manager. Bob Harlan was the president of the Packers when Eric-Sullivan joined the organization. Bob’s son is Bryan Harlan, the agent for Harbaugh.

One thing to keep in mind during the coaching search this week: Harbaugh has strong ties to Green Bay and Miami.

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