All week, fans have been wondering what the hold up has been in the contract negotiations between the Green Bay Packers and head coach Matt LaFleur. Despite both the organization and LaFleur stating that they want to move forward together, days have passed with few updates as to the progress being made in the talks.
During this past week, many have speculated if the salary demands of LaFleur may be a sticking point, but there is no evidence to suggest that is the case. Others have suggested the two sides are apart on how long the extension should be, but there is no evidence to support that either.
A new report from Adam Schefter of ESPN this morning, however, may shed some light on why there has been a delay.
The Green Bay Packers are working on contract extensions for both Matt LaFleur and Brian Gutekunst
According to a report published by ESPN this morning, Green Bay is not only working out a contract extension with LaFleur, but also general manager Brian Gutekunst:
“The Green Bay Packers are working to bring back coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst, each of whom is headed into the final year of his current deal, and the expectation is that there will be contract extensions for both, league sources told ESPN.
“The Packers continue talking with both LaFleur and Gutekunst this weekend, working toward a positive resolution that is the more likely outcome, according to sources.”
As noted in the report, both Gutekunst and LaFleur are entering the final years of their contracts with the Packers. Both were hired by former President and CEO Mark Murphy, who stepped down this past summer after hitting the age of 70, the age the Packers’ bylaws state the CEO must retire.
He was replaced by Ed Policy, and many thought there may have been a possibility that Policy would want to build his own regime with his own general manager and head coach.
It appears, however, that the new Packers President and CEO wants to move forward with the duo that has helped lead Green Bay to the NFL Playoffs in six of the past seven years, and in each of the last three despite having the youngest roster in the league.
More Green Bay Packers news from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Matt LaFleur poised for a new deal as Packers seem to target stability
- Packers legend Donald Driver sparks wellness movement at Alcorn State
- New footage of Keisean Nixon’s “business decision” vs Bears emerges
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