Former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur had a rough night following his Packers’ 35-14 loss to the winless Falcons Thursday. If the Packers move on from LaFleur — which could realistically happen any week now — the Rams should consider bringing him back in some capacity.
The case for bringing LaFleur back is simple, as he was part of Sean McVay’s first coaching staff in Los Angeles.
LaFleur and McVay go back a long way, dating back to their time together in Washington from 2010-13.
Green Bay’s current coach spent only one year as the Rams’ OC before joining the Titans in the same capacity in 2018, a year before getting the Packers job.
Now, before anyone freaks out about LaFleur bringing his coaching stink to LA, it wouldn’t be like he’s calling the plays. He could serve as a consultant to the Rams on offense or defense, similar to what he did for longtime friend Robert Saleh after the Jets gave him the boot in 2024.
LaFleur brought in Saleh that October to assist the Packers on offense ahead of their matchup against the Jaguars. It was a smart move on LaFleur’s behalf to get a new perspective for his team. Very McVay-like innovation, I might add. Also, in this business, you have to treat your friends right, and you have to believe McVay would welcome his buddy with open arms.
It’s not like it would be a long-term move either. Regardless of his recent struggles with the Packers, LaFleur will be a highly coveted head coaching candidate if GB moves on. McVay could bring in LaFleur to help him get his head straight before receiving more coaching opportunities.
And remember, LaFleur is 5-0 against McVay during his Packers tenure. So, if you can’t beat ‘em, it’s better to let them join you.
Matt LaFleur’s days numbered in Green Bay
The Packers have lost seven of their last eight games, and that doesn’t bode well for LaFleur’s chances of sticking around in Wisconsin. Thursday’s 21-point loss — in their home opener, no less — was a microcosm of Green Bay’s struggles under LaFleur, dating back to last season.
GB blew double-digit leads to the Bears twice, including a 21-3 halftime lead at Chicago in the Wild Card Round. Then, the Packers led 22-10 against backup Carson Wentz and the Vikings in Week 1 before giving up 29 unanswered points to lose by 17. They needed a comeback win over the Jets in overtime to prevent an 0-3 start.
LaFleur signed a multiyear extension in January, which is looking like a bust with each passing week. There seems to be a reason why those contract details weren’t released to the public.
Green Bay essentially rewarded mediocrity by committing to him after watching his team choke away a playoff game to a bitter rival. He has also won just three playoff games in his career with reasonably strong quarterback play from Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love.
If not for the inclusion of the seven seed, the Packers would’ve missed the playoffs in four straight seasons. No doubt an underserved extension.
This isn’t even the gauntlet of their schedule, as GB will face the Bears and Cowboys in back-to-back weeks after facing the Buccaneers in Week 4. Losing to the Vikings and Falcons doesn’t spell confidence in LaFleur, considering he’s given cheeseheads more constipation than dairy lately.
Moving on from LaFleur certainly seems to be the most logical answer in Green Bay. Whenever that day comes, assuming it happens around midseason, McVay and the Rams should give LaFleur a temporary home while the veteran coach figures out his next move.
