The Green Bay Packers find themselves at a crossroads. The 2025 season ended in disappointment, with a late collapse in the wild-card round of the playoffs leaving fans and analysts on https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/nfl-player-props questioning the direction of the franchise. Central to that discussion is head coach Matt LaFleur and whether a trade or change in leadership might be the best move for the Packers as they prepare for the 2026 season. The debate reflects both the successes and frustrations of LaFleur’s tenure and what the organization might need to elevate its postseason hopes.
A Track Record of Regular Season Success
Matt LaFleur took over as head coach of the Packers in 2019 and quickly delivered winning seasons. Over seven years in Green Bay, LaFleur compiled a 76-40-1 regular season record, leading the team to the playoffs six times and reaching the NFC Championship Game twice. Despite this strong regular season performance, however, LaFleur’s playoff record stands at just 3-6, and the team has struggled to get over the hump in the postseason.
LaFleur’s ability to prepare the Packers and maintain a winning culture has been evident, but regular-season success has not translated into postseason resilience. This dichotomy is at the heart of the debate about his future.
A Painful End to the 2025 Season
The 2025 postseason drama played out in a standout wild-card game against the Chicago Bears. Green Bay held a commanding lead but watched it slip away as Chicago mounted a historic comeback, overturning an 18-point deficit to win 31-27 and secure the franchise’s first playoff victory in 15 years. Rookie Bears quarterback Caleb Williams orchestrated the final drive that sealed the collapse, throwing a late touchdown to DJ Moore to cap the comeback.
The loss was notable not only for the deficit blown but for how it highlighted deeper issues on both sides of the ball. Green Bay’s defense struggled to adjust to the Bears’ late adjustments, and the offense could not sustain momentum when it mattered most.
The LaFleur Dilemma
LaFleur’s supporters argue that his regular-season excellence and overall winning percentage make him one of the more successful coaches in modern Packers history. Winning records, divisional competitiveness, and development of young talent have been consistent under his leadership. So why consider a change? The answer lies in expectations.
The Packers are a franchise steeped in tradition and success. Fans and management alike expect not just playoff berths, but deep postseason runs and championship contention. A coach with double-digit playoff wins would meet those expectations. LaFleur’s track record, while impressive in the regular season, falls short in the playoffs. That shortcoming fuels speculation that a new voice might unlock the next level for the team.
The Case for a Change
Some analysts believe trading or moving on from LaFleur could give the Packers a fresh perspective. Critics point to the team’s tendency to lose late leads and the repeated inability to close out key games as evidence that LaFleur’s approach lacks the adaptability required in high-stakes moments. They argue that a new coach could invigorate the locker room and install different strategic principles that lead to postseason success.
Reddit communities and fan forums highlight criticism of LaFleur’s tendencies, suggesting that predictability, conservative play-calling in key moments, and an overreliance on a system that protects leads rather than expands them have contributed to late-game collapses throughout his tenure. These voices mirror wider concerns that the club’s identity under LaFleur has grown stale in critical situations.
The Case for Continuity
Despite the playoff frustrations, there is also a strong case for keeping LaFleur. Many recognize the turbulence that can come from changing leadership too often. The Packers have had a winning formula in the regular season, and sudden shifts can disrupt continuity and player development. Team president Ed Policy and other decision makers reportedly value stability and want to avoid a “lame duck” situation where a coach enters a season without contract clarity, preferring to negotiate a new deal rather than terminate LaFleur’s current one.
LaFleur himself has expressed affection for the organization, community, and players. In end-of-season remarks, he emphasized his commitment to the team and his desire to improve rather than make excuses for the loss. That sense of loyalty resonates with many fans who appreciate his work but acknowledge that results have not matched aspirations when it matters most.
Organizational Challenges Beyond the Coach
It is important to note that the Packers’ challenges are not solely about the head coach. Injuries played a role in their late-season slide, with significant contributors missing time. Offensive continuity was disrupted at critical moments, and defensive performance dipped in ways that compounded late-game issues. These factors suggest that deeper personnel and schematic adjustments are necessary beyond the coaching position itself.
Front office leadership must balance roster construction, salary cap management, and strategic coaching hires to build a team capable of postseason endurance. This holistic approach might mean supporting LaFleur with new coordinators or investing in free agency to shore up weaknesses on both offense and defense.
Fan and Media Reaction
Packers fans and media are polarized. Some feel LaFleur deserves another chance, citing his track record and the need for consistency in team culture. Others believe fresh leadership could empower emerging talent, such as a young Jordan Love and rising stars on both sides of the ball.
The debate reflects the emotional investment fans have in the franchise. Losses to rivals and dramatic collapses intensify scrutiny, but there is no consensus on the right path forward. Some fans want a cultural reset and a new voice in the locker room, while others argue that LaFleur’s overall success should not be dismissed because of a small sample of playoff results.
What Comes Next
As the offseason unfolds, the Packers’ leadership faces a crucial decision. Trade or retain Matt LaFleur. The answer will shape the identity of the team for years to come. Retaining him could reinforce stability and continuity. Trading him could signal a bold shift in philosophy and direction.
What is clear is that the Packers’ future success depends on a mix of strategic coaching, roster building, and leadership vision. Whether that vision includes LaFleur or moves in a new direction is a decision that fans and pundits will be discussing well into the 2026 season and beyond.
