Has he been overlooked?
Matt LaFleur’s tenure as head coach of the Green Bay Packers has been nothing short of remarkable. Yet, his name seems to rarely enter the conversation for NFL Coach of the Year, let alone take home the award.
From the moment LaFleur was hired in January 2019, doubts surrounded his credentials.
He had only one year as a play-caller – as offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans – and was stepping into a role that required managing one of the game’s greatest quarterbacks in Aaron Rodgers.
But what LaFleur has achieved since then has been extraordinary.
In his first three seasons, he led the Packers to 13 wins each year – an NFL record. He helped revitalise Aaron Rodgers, guiding him to back-to-back MVP awards in 2020 and 2021.
In 2023 he led the youngest team in the league to the playoffs with a first-year starting quarterback in Jordan Love.
Fast forward to this season, and LaFleur is working wonders once again. The roster is even younger than last season, and the Packers have had to play two and a half games without their starting quarterback – all of them won by back-up Malik Willis.
They have already surpassed last year’s win total with 10 victories and are on the brink of another playoff berth.
If they make it, it would mark LaFleur’s fifth playoff appearance in six seasons. Surely, this resume warrants at least one Coach of the Year award?
Tough Competition
It is true that the winners in LaFleur’s tenure have been more than deserving.
- In 2019, John Harbaugh led the Baltimore Ravens to a stunning 14-2 record.
- In 2020, Kevin Stefanski broke the Cleveland Browns’ playoff drought.
- In 2021, Mike Vrabel secured the AFC’s top seed despite significant injuries to the Tennessee Titans.
- In 2022, Brian Daboll transformed the New York Giants into a playoff team.
- And in 2023, Stefanski worked miracles with Joe Flacco stepping in at quarterback for Cleveland.
This season, Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings and Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions are the frontrunners. Both are worthy candidates, but LaFleur deserves recognition for steering this young Packers team into contention.
The Rodgers Factor
It seems the presence of Aaron Rodgers has worked against LaFleur. Critics argue that winning with one of the greatest quarterbacks ever is expected.
But LaFleur’s success goes beyond relying on star talent. The past two seasons are proof of his ability to develop young players and adapt his game plans to fit new personnel.
What more does Matt LaFleur need to do to earn his due? Perhaps winning a Super Bowl would silence the doubters.
Until then, his consistent excellence deserves far more recognition than it has received.
