The Green Bay Packers will have their eyes firmly focused on this weekend’s Wild Card playoff game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The team split their divisional games this season, with Saturday’s matchup providing a fitting opportunity for the winner to not only advance further in the postseason but also claim victory in the make-shift three-game ‘series’ between the rivals.
### Coaching and Management Future in Focus
Bubbling in the background of all the playoff anticipation has been ongoing speculation about the futures of both head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst. Gutekunst, who internally earned the GM role in 2018, originally hired LaFleur back in 2019. Since then, the duo has achieved substantial regular-season success.
LaFleur has posted winning records in six of his seven years with the Packers, with the lone exception being an 8-9 finish in 2022—Aaron Rodgers’ final season with the organization. However, this success has not translated well in the postseason. Despite earning first-round byes in each of his first three seasons, LaFleur holds a disappointing 3-5 playoff record.
### Potential Coaching Change: John Harbaugh on the Horizon
Given these postseason struggles, the Packers may look to bring in a veteran, Super Bowl-winning head coach to replace LaFleur and guide the team to legitimate playoff success. Recently-fired Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has emerged as a top candidate for the job.
#### Why Green Bay Might Part Ways with Matt LaFleur
Former team president and CEO Mark Murphy stepped down at the end of last season upon turning 75, in accordance with the Packers’ bylaws. He was succeeded by Ed Policy, who notably declined to extend contracts for both LaFleur and Gutekunst earlier this season. Policy expressed a preference not to have his head coach or GM coaching or managing during their contract years, as both of their deals expire at the end of 2026.
Over the summer, rumors circulated that Policy might look to bring in his own personnel for these key roles, signaling a fresh start and ushering in a new era under his leadership. In the wake of the Packers again failing to win the division in 2025, reports noted that the team could face a “tough decision” on whether to retain LaFleur and Gutekunst if the Packers lose in the first round of the playoffs this weekend.
#### Why John Harbaugh Would Be a Great Fit for the Packers
While it may seem far-fetched initially, the logic behind pursuing Harbaugh is compelling. If the Packers’ head coaching job opens up, it would undoubtedly be one of the most attractive positions available for any head coaching candidate.
John Harbaugh has a proven track record of developing and nurturing young quarterbacks into successful franchise leaders. He led Joe Flacco to a Super Bowl XLVII victory with the Ravens and brings invaluable playoff experience.
Green Bay’s defense remains an elite unit when healthy, although they have struggled with injuries to key defensive linemen Devonte Wyatt and Micah Parsons. Encouragingly, all but one starter on defense, linebacker Quay Walker, are signed through 2026, providing stability on that side of the ball.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich is also garnering attention around the league and could emerge as a strong candidate for head coaching vacancies later this month. Even if Harbaugh and the Packers’ upper management feel Stenavich isn’t quite ready to take over play-calling duties from LaFleur, the team would have their choice among the hottest offensive coordinator candidates available.
At this point, talk of a coaching change isn’t more than speculation. However, if the Packers lose on Saturday, the wheels could quickly start turning, and John Harbaugh would almost certainly be the frontrunner for the job.
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The upcoming Wild Card game could thus prove pivotal—not only for the Packers’ playoff hopes but for the future direction of the franchise’s leadership. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the story continues to unfold.
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