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Packers’ Matt LaFleur may now be firmly on the hot seat after playoff collapse to Bears.
The Green Bay Packers entered halftime of their NFC wild-card game with a commanding 21-3 lead and the ball to open the second half. Less than 30 minutes later, they were eliminated from the playoffs — and much of the conversation afterward centered not on execution, but on head coach Matt LaFleur.
Green Bay’s collapse in the second half of the 31-27 loss to the Chicago Bears sparked immediate scrutiny of LaFleur’s play-calling, game management and overall approach after intermission. The Packers managed just six points after halftime while surrendering 28, turning what looked like a routine playoff win into a stunning defeat.
While LaFleur has long been regarded as one of the NFL’s top offensive coaches, the way the second half unfolded raised uncomfortable questions — both publicly and internally — about how much responsibility he bears for the outcome.
Matt LaFleur’s Second-Half Decisions Draw Sharp Criticism
Analytics expert Warren Sharp was among the first to question what Green Bay was trying to accomplish after halftime.
“No idea what Matt LaFleur is trying to do in the second half,” Sharp wrote, noting that the Packers opened the half with the ball while leading 21-3.
The results were stark. Over four second-half possessions, Green Bay gained a net total of just nine yards, averaging 0.64 yards per play. Each drive ended the same way: punt, punt, punt, punt.
The Packers would eventually would score a touchdown in the fourth quarter, although Brandon McManus missed the extra point. McManus also missed a 44-yard field goal on Green Bay’s next to last possession.
The lack of adjustments — or urgency — drew national attention.
Bill Simmons was even more blunt in his assessment.
“Matt LaFleur’s second half has to be on the short list of worst playoff coaching performances this century,” Simmons said on The Ringer.
For a team that entered halftime in complete control, the inability to sustain drives or protect field position proved fatal, especially as Chicago seized momentum and confidence with each empty Green Bay possession.
Questions About LaFleur’s Future — And What Comes Next
As criticism mounted, speculation naturally followed about LaFleur’s standing within the organization. However, league insiders earlier pushed back on the idea that his job was in jeopardy.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that LaFleur was not coaching for his job and would not be judged solely on the playoff loss.
“My understanding, Matt LaFleur — one of the best coaches in the NFL — is not coaching for his job today,” Rapoport said. “He’s not going to be judged by the next four quarters.”
Rapoport added that Packers president Ed Policy is expected to meet with LaFleur this offseason to discuss a potential contract extension, signaling organizational stability rather than upheaval.
When asked during the postgame press conference if he believed he would be coaching the Packers next season, LaFleur said it wasn’t the right time to address such a thing.
The loss places Policy — in his first year overseeing football operations — at the center of a major decision. Packers beat reporter Matt Schneidman noted that while LaFleur’s résumé remains strong, the way the season ended cannot be ignored.
Green Bay is now 3-6 under LaFleur in playoff games and has been eliminated in the wild-card round in back-to-back seasons. Whether that trend reflects roster limitations, execution failures, or coaching decisions will likely shape internal discussions moving forward.
LaFleur may not be on the hot seat, but the second half against Chicago ensured that questions about his postseason approach — and his ability to close games — will not fade quietly this offseason.
Shane Shoemaker Shane Shoemaker is a sports journalist covering college football and the NFL for Heavy.com. His work has also appeared in The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, USA TODAY, and ClutchPoints, along with high school sports coverage for the Marion Tribune. More about Shane Shoemaker
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