Despite leading the Green Bay Packers to their third consecutive playoff berth to begin the Jordan Love era, Matt LaFleur's job security has remained a surprising talking point all season.
It began in the summer after reports that new team president Ed Policy had decided against extending LaFleur's contract, which expires after the 2026 season. Speculation caught fire throughout the year, especially during the Packers' difficult stretches, including losses to the Carolina Panthers and Philadelphia Eagles.
Appearing on The Pat McAfee Show, ESPN's Adam Schefter provided a notable update. While he believes the Packers want LaFleur back, the decision may hinge on the finances rather than the performances on the field. And it's somewhat concerning.
"I think the bigger deal here is, can they figure out a contract of fair value to keep him there? I think that's what this is about," said Schefter. "If they can't figure out a contract that works for both sides, well then you have to ask yourself, are they willing to let him go into the last year of his deal, which he would be, or what do you do about that?"
"I believe the priority will be to re-sign him to an extension this offseason."
Packers could lose Matt LaFleur for the reason nobody has been talking about
When focusing on LaFleur's uncertain future, the conversation usually centers on his playoff record, a failure to reach a Super Bowl, and how often his teams make unforced errors in messy performances. In other words, it's about the on-field product.
In actual fact, it could be the financial conversation that determines whether he remains in Green Bay beyond his current contract. While the NFL doesn't publicly share head coach salaries, according to Front Office Sports, LaFleur currently earns $5 million per year, which ranks just 17th in the league.
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Based on this reporting, LaFleur's salary sits a million miles below that of Andy Reid ($20 million), Sean Payton ($18 million), and Mike Tomlin ($16 million). They all have Super Bowl wins on their resume, but Ben Johnson doesn't, and he's reportedly at a salary of $15 million with the Chicago Bears.
LaFleur, who has led the Packers to a 76-39-1 record in seven seasons, could easily push for Johnson's figure, and potentially more. As Schefter notes, that's where it becomes a decision.
It should be simple. If Ed Policy is committed to LaFleur and wants him to remain in Green Bay long term, pay him. If he isn't sure, move on now or let his contract expire.
But LaFleur likely holds plenty of leverage. If available, he'd easily become the top head coach candidate in this cycle and would have the choice of several teams. The same would likely be true in 2027 when his contract expires. That's a route LaFleur could take — let his current deal wind down and then sign wherever he wishes. There's also the option of coaching in college.
That would only drive up his asking price, again making it difficult for the Packers.
Schefter noted that the team intends to extend Brian Gutekunst's contract. He, too, has an expiring deal in 2027. The biggest question is whether LaFleur joins him.
It shouldn't be a question. LaFleur is a winner and one of the league's best offensive minds. There should be no debate.
That said, if Policy opts to fire LaFleur due to footballing reasons, believing the team needs a fresh voice, fine. We can disagree, but it's ultimately a judgment call based on trying to win. But if it comes down to a financial decision and not wanting to pay top-of-the-market money?
That would be incredibly tough for Packers fans to stomach, and a move that could instantly ignite frustration just months into Policy's tenure. A big decision awaits.