Packers: Matt LaFleur should win Coach of the Year award in 2021
By Joseph Rowan
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur deserves to win the NFL Coach of the Year award this season, which would be his first COTY award in his tenure as head coach of the Packers.
Looking at both his previous seasons and current season as the Packers’ head coach, it is hard to understand why LaFleur has not already won a Coach of the Year award considering his turnaround of the Packers’ franchise in 2019.
Here are some reasons why LaFleur should win Coach of the Year for 2021:
LaFleur has broken multiple records in 2021: LaFleur has 38 wins in three seasons with the team, leading the Packers to two straight NFC Championship games, a first-round bye in 2020, and three straight playoff berths.
Back in October, LaFleur became the winningest coach in 40 games in NFL history, going 33-7. LaFleur also has the highest winning percentage of any coach in NFL history who coached a minimum of 25 games at .825.
LaFleur’s leadership has strengthened the organization: With the addition of Coach LaFleur into the Packers organization, the culture was quickly turned around as LaFleur allowed the veteran players within the locker room to become mentors for the rookies.
His coaching style reflected that of his former coaching partner Sean McVay. Coach LaFleur has been a standout coach and has shown that the Packers are still contenders in the playoffs. LaFleur also has a great relationship with three-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Matt Lafleur says strength of his relationship with Aaron Rodgers is trust that has been built between the two: "There's definitely moments we can disagree, but I think there's enough trust, love and respect that it's OK. And that's how you grow in any relationship."
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) December 30, 2021
Here are some reasons why Matt LaFleur shouldn’t win Coach of the Year:
The talent wins games: Matt LaFleur currently coaches the best quarterback in football. Much like Bruce Arians, it is easy to win when you have a Hall-of-Fame caliber QB behind center. LaFleur also has the likes of All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander, wide receiver Davante Adams and running back Aaron Jones.
Other coaches have proved they should win: Frank Reich turned around the entire Indianapolis Colts’ season on a stretch of games that turned them from an 0-3 start to a 9-6 playoff caliber team. Head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Brian Flores, has led the team on an impressive seven-game win streak to turn around a 1-6 season and lead them to a potential wild-card position in the AFC.
Many coaches were in the running for Coach of the Year this season, including Bill Belichick, who impressively turned around the New England Patriots in one season with rookie quarterback Mac Jones. But, they have fallen due to one or two losses towards the end of the season.
If the Packers manage to finish the season strong, LaFleur should be a lock for the Coach of the Year as the Packers are the #1 seed in the NFC and have the best record in the NFL. LaFleur is looking for his third straight 13-win season this Sunday as he and the 12-3 Packers will face off against the 7-8 Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field at 6 p.m. CST.