Carapace In 2023, Matt LaFleur is expected to be the first NFL coach fired.
The head coach of the Green Bay Packers, Matt LaFleur, might not make it through the turbulent organizational change that is currently underway.
The Packers are 1-5 in their previous six games and have only scored 20 points once since the beginning of the Jordan Love era, despite a bright start.Prior to the NFL’s October 31 trade deadline, Jay Glazer of FOX Sports revealed over the weekend that Green Bay was still looking for a running back. Rather, the Packers seem to have quietly punted on the 2023 campaign after trading CB Rasul Douglas to the Buffalo Bills on Tuesday.
On Monday’s episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Bill Simmons of The Ringer discussed with Cousin Sal that LaFleur is currently under pressure following his failure to make the playoffs in 2022—Aaron Rodgers’ last season with the team.
Simmons declared, “I really think LaFleur is in first-coach-fired territory right now. Green Bay is going in the wrong direction.”
Cousin Sal answered, “Yeah, I think he’s one of like three or four coaches right in there.”
“He might be the league’s top player right now because of the flag, the callback of a successful offensive or defensive play, and the image of the bewildered coach on the sidelines. Matt Lafleur is our league leader this year, in my opinion,” Simmons continued. I was just thinking, ‘Oh my goodness, that could have been such a great play.'” It’s unbelievable that we received another penalty.
At Trade Deadline, Brian Gutekunst Made Matt LaFleur’s Job Harder
GettyIn May 2023, during an OTA practice, general manager Brian Gutekunst of the Green Bay Packers (left) converses with head coach Matt LaFleur (right).
On the other hand, given how close the team is to the trade deadline, general manager Brian Gutekunst’s position seems safe.
Although there were a number of things Gutekunst might have done to support LaFleur, he did not in any way. These strategies might have included bringing in a seasoned veteran to strengthen the offensive line, bringing in a dependable wide receiver to provide Love with a more secure target in the passing game, or pursuing a back to contribute to the rushing attack. Rather, the GM adopted a long-term perspective. That implies that Gutekunst won’t be out by the conclusion of the season, but it doesn’t necessarily imply LaFleur is.
Over the past two seasons, Matt LaFleur has struggled to adjust the Packers’ offense.
GettyIf the offensive can’t get back on track in the second half of the season, Matt LaFleur, the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, may lose his job.
Just a few seasons ago, it would have been hard for anyone to picture LaFleur in danger of losing his job.
In 2019, the former offensive coordinator was appointed head coach of Green Bay. After that, he led the team to 13 wins in each of his first three seasons, two of which saw Rodgers named the league MVP.
The team had early struggles in 2022, therefore the journey got harder. The Packers mounted a late comeback to tie the Detroit Lions 8-8 at home in Week 18, with a victory against them standing in their way of making the playoffs once more. However, the celebration was disrupted when the Lions entered Lambeau Field and defeated Green Bay 20–16.
In order to start the 2023 season with the youngest group of skill-position players in modern NFL history, the Packers traded for Aaron Rodgers during the offseason. David Bakhtiari, a former All-Pro, played just one game as a left tackle before chronic knee problems ended his season.
Love was instantly exposed by defenses, and the Packers have been in complete disarray ever since. With a record of 2-5, the team is only one half game ahead of the Chicago Bears for the NFC North Division’s bottom spot.
