The wait is over. All signs pointed toward this outcome: The Green Bay Packers have signed Matt LaFleur to a new deal.
According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Packers and LaFleur have "agreed to terms on a multiyear contract extension."
He adds that there was "never any serious consideration to moving on" from LaFleur. Pelissero also reports that the Packers plan to extend the contracts of general manager Brian Gutekunst and EVP Russ Ball.
Packers finally make their decision on Matt LaFleur loud and clear
It follows an uneasy week for the fanbase. There were rumors, speculation, and mixed messages about the negotiations and Green Bay's stance on LaFleur's future. But based on Pelissero's reporting, there was never any doubt. It was all about determining the details.
Now, those details. Pelissero didn't reveal the contract LaFleur signed (head coach contracts aren't usually made public), but we can assume he will receive a significant pay rise from his previous deal.
Fans will have mixed feelings, and that's understandable. LaFleur has won 76 games in seven seasons, a record matched by only two coaches in NFL history, but his teams have also built an unwanted reputation for collapsing in big moments.
That's a task for LaFleur to overcome. It could mean overhauling his staff. Part of that will be forced on him, with defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley inching toward a head coach job.
It will be interesting to see what moves LaFleur makes to his staff. Will he look to make an outside hire to become the new defensive coordinator? Raheem Morris? Jim Leonhard? That's a big decision he has to get right.
The first major domino of the Packers' offseason has fallen, and it's the right call. While LaFleur has a lot to improve on, there likely wasn't a head coach candidate out there who the Packers could confidently say was a better option. Any change would've been a risk.
LaFleur gets the vote of confidence, but he must now help this team take the next step.