You only have to say the name Matt LaFleur in front of a Green Bay Packers fan, and you'll get an emotional reaction one way or another.
Many point to his undeniable winning percentage and impressive work developing Jordan Love. Others point to repeated, self-inflicted mistakes and, so far, an inability to make a deep playoff run. In reality, it doesn't matter what you and I think. Any decision on LaFleur's long-term future is in the hands of new Packers president Ed Policy.
Policy, who succeeded Mark Murphy in July, made the notable decision not to renew the contracts of LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst. They each have two years left, so there's no immediate rush, although Policy also stated he doesn't want either to enter a lame-duck season. That implies a decision is coming this offseason.
Where does LaFleur stand after a 5-2-1 start filled with ups and downs? Speaking to ESPN Milwaukee, Packers reporter Rob Demovsky gave his take.
"Here's the problem: We don't know Ed Policy's leadership style. We don't know what he thinks," said Demovsky. "We know Matt LaFleur has this year and next year on his contract, and we know Ed Policy doesn't want lame-duck coaches. So, the power of deduction tells us that this season is what he's going to use to elevluate Matt LaFleur on."
"That would tell me, that yes, it's a critical year. Now, what the definition of, 'You have to win this many games or you have to get to this round of the playoffs' in order to get a contract extension, well that's hard to say."
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is entering a 'critical year' with an offseason decision looming
Demovsky believes that Policy's decision will be determined more by "how it looks" rather than a specific goal.
For instance, if the Packers look fantastic down the stretch, reach the playoffs, and then lose Jordan Love to injury, that's probably enough to secure an extension. But if Green Bay wins ugly from here on out but LaFleur loses the locker room, that's a tougher look, even if he wins a playoff game.
Policy didn't outright put LaFleur or Gutekunst on the hot seat. Far from it. But his decision to delay any talk of an extension still cranked up the pressure.
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The Packers have Super Bowl ambitions, especially after trading for Micah Parsons. So far, they've won five of eight contests, including big victories over the Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, and Pittsburgh Steelers, but fallen well short of expectations in others.
LaFleur's offense lacks a true identity, which becomes an even greater concern with Tucker Kraft done for the year. That's not all LaFleur's fault. The offensive line has underperformed, and injuries have derailed momentum at various positions.
But every team has to overcome challenges and adversity, and wins and losses ultimately fall on LaFleur.
Again, it's far too early to discuss hot seats or firings, but recent performances have sparked conversations among the fan base — debates, in many cases. It's hardly surprising, given the Packers' up-and-down, unpredictable nature.
Gutekunst, too, has done so much for this team. He navigated the Aaron Rodgers-Jordan Love handoff masterfully. He had the vision to draft Love, and then built a team ready to return to the playoffs immediately once Rodgers departed. He also pulled off a phenomenal deal for Parsons.
But nothing is guaranteed for either the head coach or the GM. As Demovsky said, we don't know Policy's approach or where he stands on this team's future.
The final nine games of the regular season, and potentially a playoff run, will shape what's next.