NFL Rumors: Packers Pick Matt LaFleur, Philbin, Pettine Retained By Head Coach

The Green Bay Packers are close to making an announcement with regard to their new head coach after sacking Mike McCarthy in the latter stages of the 2018-19 NFL campaign which ended in disappointment as they failed to make the post-season playoffs.

The Packers had Joe Philbin, who was the offensive coordinator, as the interim head coach after McCarthy’s dismissal, but will make an appointment sooner rather than later. NFL insider Ian Rapoport revealed Monday night that Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur will be appointed the new head coach of the Packers.

“The Packers are hiring Titans OC Matt LaFleur, a bright young offensive mind to come in and challenge QB Aaron Rodgers, as their new head coach,” Rapoport communicated via his official Twitter account.

LaFleur spent last season as the play calling offensive coordinator with the Titans, but has previously worked with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and Atlanta Falcons’ Kyle Shanahan.

It came as quite a surprise owing to LaFleur’s limited experience when it comes to play calling – just one season with the Titans – as many expected New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to get the nod to be the Packers’ new head coach.

According to ESPN’ Rob Demovsky, LaFleur won over Packers president Mark Murphy and general manager Brian Gutekunst with his expertise in running the offense and giving them the hope that he will get Aaron Rodgers back to his best to make a run at the Super Bowl in the upcoming campaign.

The report also claims that the Packers hierarchy were keen to get Rodgers on board with the new coach, which played a part in LaFleur being hired. They are keen to go the Rams and Chiefs way and have new innovative offensive minded coaches leading the team next season.

Moreover, the Packers are said to have been impressed with the work LaFleur did with Jared Goff and Matt Ryan during his time with the Rams and Falcons respectively. The latter especially impressed when the Falcons blew away the Packers 44-21 in the NFC Championship game in January 2017.

“Ask anyone around the NFL, and most will say Shanahan and McVay are the two brightest offensive minds in the game. The Packers now have someone connected to both,” Demovsky wrote.

Meanwhile, according to Demovsky, LaFleur is said to be keen to retain both the team’s top assistants on staff for the upcoming campaign. Philbin is expected to retain his role in the offense while defensive coordinator Mike Pettine is also expected to be retained.