Signs continue to point toward Matt LaFleur resuming his post as the Green Bay Packers' head coach in 2026. Be that as it may, some interesting intel has at least opened the door for the club to explore other options, namely John Harbaugh.
Harbaugh was relieved of his duties as the Baltimore Ravens' sideline general this offseason, marking the end of a historic 18-year partnership. He's been heavily linked to the New York Giants, who got the first crack at interviewing him. However, the Packers could reportedly enter the mix if they fire LaFleur, which seems more plausible now than it did roughly 48 hours ago.
ESPN's Dan Graziano considers Green Bay "a spot to watch" should the franchise ultimately decide to move on from LaFleur.
NFL insider plants the seeds for John Harbaugh to replace Matt LaFleur as Packers' HC
Right when we thought calmer heads prevailed, a flurry of updates suddenly make LaFleur's situation murky. Things have quickly gone from his anticipated return to Titletown, to the two sides were "expected to try" working out a contract extension. Now, Harbaugh's suddenly in play; what's going on here?
Amid the uncertainty, Harbaugh notably has a sneakily strong tie to the Packers that shouldn't be overlooked. His agent, Bryan Harlan, is the son of Green Bay "royalty," former team president Bob Harlan. Do with that information what you will.
It remains to be seen whether LaFleur and the Packers go their separate ways. Until that happens or something changes, a split is very much within the range of outcomes. Nevertheless, the prolonged discussions make you wonder if Harbaugh's availability is factoring into their negotiations.
Nothing is imminent, though it's officially time to be on high alert, at least until Harbaugh announces he's going somewhere other than Green Bay. The longer LaFleur and the Packers go without finding common ground on a new deal, the more speculation about what's going on behind the scenes.
For whatever it's worth, Graziano concluded his Harbaugh-to-Green Bay thought by reminding us that the job isn't available -- yet. Moreover, at this rate, the ex-Ravens coach may already make his choice by the time a verdict on LaFleur's future is reached. But buckle up, Packers fans, because this may not be the last we hear of this developing story.