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Packers: Matt LaFleur should be a candidate for Coach of the Year

By Freddie Boston

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 6: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sideline during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 34-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 6: Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sideline during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 6, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 34-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur should be a candidate for the NFL Coach of the Year Award in 2019.

First-year head coaches have won the NFL Coach of the Year Award two years running. Matt LaFleur would make it a third if he won the award this season.

The Green Bay Packers‘ rookie head coach might not be the most likely candidate, but he should be in the race. The Packers’ quick turnaround starts with the head coach, and he’s made an impressive start in Green Bay.

The Packers were a mess in 2018, falling well short of expectations. It was never going to be an easy job for a new coach to come in, with a new offense, and get immediate results. And that’s exactly why many analysts didn’t expect a return to the playoffs for the Packers in 2019. Understandably so.

But led by LaFleur, Green Bay is second in the NFC entering Week 12 having won eight of its opening 10 games, including five wins over teams with winning records. With a playoff berth almost secured, LaFleur could lead his team to the top seed in the conference in just his first season.

Not only has the offense bounced back this season, which LaFleur deserves a lot of credit for, but the defense has also taken a step forward. Defensively, the Packers still have a lot to work on, but the pass rush is significantly improved with the arrival of Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith.

But beyond the plays and the scheme, LaFleur has put it all together and turned potential into victories with his leadership. Many players have spoken about the fun they’ve had this season, and that starts at the top with the head coach.

Kyle Shanahan would also be a great choice for the award having turned things around dramatically in San Francisco, but what LaFleur has already achieved in his first season should make him a contender.

Many hoped LaFleur would have the Packers pushing for the playoffs and moving in the right direction. He’s achieved way more than that. He’s turned a mess of a situation in 2018 into what could be one of the team’s most successful seasons in recent memory.

If the Packers continue to win games after the bye week, LaFleur should be one of the top contenders for the coach of the year award.

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