Matt LaFleur Rejects Question on Packers Future, Jordan Love Defends HC After Fans Call Firing

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur didn't want to entertain questions over his future with the team following Saturday's 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears in the NFC Wild Card Round.

"With all due respect to your question, now's not the time for that," he told reporters when asked about his status for 2026. "I'm just hurting for these guys. I can only think about what just happened, and there will be time for that."

Quarterback Jordan Love offered his endorsement.

"I definitely think Matt should be the head coach," he said. "I've got a lot of love for Matt, and I think he does a good job. And that's it."

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday before the game "the Packers plan to engage [LaFleur] in contract discussions shortly after the season ends, with the mutual goal of extending his contract."

His current deal wraps up after the 2026, so potentially setting him up as a lame duck next year doesn't work to anybody's favor.

ESPN's Rob Demovsky entertained a number of ways this could end as it relates to both LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst. He concluded by reporting that "team sources expect a speedy resolution and a public announcement."

The Packers have reached the playoffs in six of LaFleur's seven years at the helm. He helped to successfully transition the franchise away from Aaron Rodgers and to Love.

Green Bay hasn't reached the NFC title game since 2020, though, and Saturday's second-half collapse will inevitably invite criticism of the coaching. The Packers offense went totally cold after building a 21-3 halftime lead, and LaFleur didn't manage the clock well in the fourth quarter.

 ▶️Full Packers-Bears Recap

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Good head coaches aren't easy to find in the NFL. LaFleur has a .654 winning percentage in the regular season — though the Packers have just one 10-win season since 2021 — and that consistency shouldn't be taken for granted.

At the same time, the arguments for a coaching change are understandable after what transpired in Chicago.

Prior to Saturday, the signs pointed to LaFleur coaching the Packers in 2026.

Perhaps the manner of Saturday's playoff exit was bad enough to give the organization pause about sticking with him moving forward.