The Packers extension of Matt LaFleur is an indication on how highly this franchise views him as a head coach. However, this comes with many glaring questions, and frankly, not a lot of answers.
The one thing we know for sure and can be confident in is that Ed Policy trusts Matt LaFleur. The fanbase has many questions and rightfully so. The past two seasons have been underwhelming at best.
Sure, this season has been from hell with the catastrophic injuries. Nevertheless, this team showed they can still take commanding leads in key games. Losing in devastating fashion to the Bears twice in three weeks is the worst way possible to go out.
So, what will Matt LaFleur be willing to change, if anything? How can the fanbase be as confident in him as the organization is? Here are some things I would like to see LaFleur address.
Matt LaFleur and the Coaching Staff: What will Change?
I am pretty neutral overall on bringing LaFleur back. When I see the candidates this coaching cycle, I am more confident that bringing LaFleur back is the right move. I also believe that LaFleur has to show that he is willing to change, and leadership has to give him the tools to succeed.
Earlier this week, Justis Mosqueda reported that the Packers have been known for going cheap on their coaching staff. When you look at things through that lens, you wonder if the Packers are helping LaFleur build the best possible coaching staff around him.
The Packers like to promote from within, which is fine. Nevertheless, that shouldn’t take priority over bringing in and investing in quality candidates. Ed Policy has to be willing to sway a bit from the Packer way in this and invest in coaches that make this team better.
With Jeff Hafley most likely leaving for a head coaching job, the main hire to watch will be defensive coordinator. Fan favorites include Brian Flores and Raheem Morris, with Raheem Morris seeming more likely.
Other position groups to watch include the offensive line which had one of their worst seasons in recent memory. Moving on from Luke Butkus seems imminent. The question on special teams is will they keep Rich Bisaccia?
The lack of caring for special teams continues to plague this organization. I do not know how we can continue to take LaFleur seriously in this area if we continue to run it back with the same staff. I understand that Bisaccia is a locker room favorite. However, the results on the field speak for themselves, and they are not good enough.
Overall, LaFleur has plenty of work to address in the offseason. The confidence of the fanbase will be in the hands of the decisions he chooses to make. With a multi-year commitment, all you can hope is that they will be better than last season.
