The Green Bay Packers sticking with their brain trust of head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst isn't to run it back. It's no secret that the duo must prove they've learned from their mistakes and grow from them.
Despite securing multi-year contract extensions this offseason, LaFleur and Gutekunst are on borrowed time if the Packers can't take meaningful strides — and fast. Every second counts for them, and there's no room for error. They're under immense pressure, as the Green Bay Press-Gazette's Pete Dougherty expressed during a recent appearance on the Pack-A-Day podcast.
"This is just my speculation. I'm thinking that this gives [LaFleur and Gutekunst] two years to improve on what they've done," Dougherty said.
Longtime Packers reporter gives Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst two more seasons to improve
It's worth emphasizing that this wasn't a report from Dougherty. Nevertheless, considering he's been covering the Packers since 1993, his input is particularly interesting and notable. Hearing him confirm what many have expected about LaFleur and Gutekunst speaks volumes, even if it's just an opinion.
Moreover, Dougherty made it clear that he doesn't believe it's Super Bowl-or-bust for the Packers between now and his hypothetical 2027 deadline. Be that as it may, the club has to get "deep in the playoffs and show that they can take that next step." Otherwise, a lot of heads could roll.
"If [the Packers are] in basically the same spot two years from now, I would guess there would be a change," Dougherty stated.
Green Bay has three consecutive playoff appearances as the No. 7 seed in the NFC and just one win to show for it. They appeared to be on the doorstep of contention in 2023 before flaming out after hot starts in 2024 and 2025. LaFleur's clock management and play sequencing woes, plus some questionable decision-making from Gutekunst, have been at the forefront of the Packers' shortcomings.
None of this is meant to say that LaFleur and Gutekunst have done a bad job; quite the opposite, actually. They've done so many great things that the Packers and the fans expect more and are getting impatient. It's hardly a coincidence that Green Bay's coaching staff and front office have been raided in recent seasons.
Nevertheless, the fact of the matter is that the NFL is a results-driven business. The Packers can't continue to tread water under LaFleur and Gutekunst.