Packers extend Matt LaFleur’s contract through 2026

The Green Bay Packers have secured head coach Matt LaFleur to a multiyear contract extension, the team announced over the weekend. The deal represents what sources described as a "real commitment" from the organization, putting to rest questions about LaFleur's future following the team's devastating playoff loss to the Chicago Bears.

LaFleur's previous contract, signed in 2022, had only one year remaining. With the 2025 season ending in a wild-card round loss—one that saw the Packers blow an 18-point halftime lead and surrender 25 fourth-quarter points—there was genuine uncertainty about whether the organization would retain its head coach. New team president Ed Policy, who took over in July, has now made his first major decision in the role by backing LaFleur.

Background

LaFleur arrived in Green Bay in 2019 as a replacement for Super Bowl-winning coach Mike McCarthy. His tenure has been marked by regular-season success but inconsistent playoff performance. Over seven seasons, he has compiled a 76-40-1 regular-season record, the fourth-highest winning percentage among active NFL head coaches at .654. His 76 wins rank tied for second most in NFL history by a coach in his first seven seasons.

The early years of his tenure proved remarkably successful. LaFleur won two MVP awards with quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2020 and 2021, and the team reached two NFC Championship games during that stretch. The Packers made the playoffs in six of LaFleur's seven seasons. However, the past four years have been more difficult. Since the end of that three-year run of 13-win seasons, LaFleur's record stands at 37-30-1 with only one playoff victory.

The 2025 season was particularly frustrating. The team lost five consecutive games to finish the year, then suffered the playoff collapse against Chicago. That loss came just days before Policy and LaFleur discussed the coach's future on the plane ride home and again after returning to Green Bay.

Key Details

The Extension Terms

While the exact financial details remain undisclosed, sources indicated the deal is structured as a genuine commitment rather than a short-term arrangement. Policy had previously stated his preference for avoiding situations where coaches or general managers enter the final year of their contracts, saying such arrangements can create complications for everyone involved.

"This is one of one. I love this place. I love the people. I love our players, the locker room, everybody in our organization. This is a unique place. The community has been outstanding." – Matt LaFleur

LaFleur expressed his attachment to Green Bay when meeting with reporters the day after the season ended, noting that his family enjoys living in the community.

Broader Organizational Changes

LaFleur's extension is part of a larger commitment to the organization's leadership structure. General manager Brian Gutekunst and vice president of football operations Russ Ball are also finalizing new contracts with the team. These moves suggest the Packers plan to maintain continuity in their front office and coaching staff.

Support from the Roster

Quarterback Jordan Love publicly backed the decision to retain LaFleur, offering a strong endorsement from the team's franchise player. Love, three seasons into his starting career, appears to be the long-term solution at the position after LaFleur successfully developed him following Rodgers' departure.

What This Means

The extension signals that the Packers believe their core issues are fixable without a change at the top. The organization has made the playoffs consistently under LaFleur and possesses a talented roster. However, the team's inability to advance deep into the postseason despite regular-season success has been a persistent frustration.

LaFleur's biggest challenge moving forward will be addressing the coordinator turnover that has plagued his tenure. He has cycled through four defensive coordinators in seven seasons, most recently hiring Jeff Hafley in 2024. LaFleur expects to lose Hafley to a head coaching opportunity elsewhere but has not indicated other coaching changes.

With the extension in place, LaFleur and the organization can focus on building toward a championship rather than managing uncertainty. The Packers have the infrastructure in place—a young franchise quarterback, consistent playoff appearances, and now stability in leadership. The question facing the team is whether that foundation can finally translate into playoff success and a return to Super Bowl contention.