Green Bay, Wisconsin – January 2026
As the Green Bay Packers push forward in a tense postseason window, a familiar NFL pattern is beginning to take shape once again: success creating opportunity.
Around the league, there is growing belief that Matt LaFleur could be on the move after the playoffs conclude. Multiple league sources indicate that LaFleur is viewed as one of the most attractive offensive-minded head coaches potentially available, whether via extension standoff or a rare coaching trade.
No decision is imminent. But the noise is getting louder.
Among all potential suitors, one team continues to surface more than any other: the Atlanta Falcons.
Atlanta’s interest is not random. It is layered with history, timing, and alignment.
The Falcons recently hired Matt Ryan as president of football operations, a move that immediately reignited speculation. Ryan played the best football of his career in 2016 — an MVP season — with LaFleur as his quarterbacks coach. That personal and professional connection has not gone unnoticed by league insiders.
Atlanta is in the middle of a full organizational reset. Ownership wants stability. The roster needs direction. And above all, the Falcons are searching for an offensive architect capable of building an identity quickly. LaFleur checks every box.
According to reporting and analysis from multiple outlets, including Yahoo Sports, Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, Pro Football Talk, and Forbes, Atlanta is widely viewed as the most realistic landing spot if LaFleur becomes available. Some league executives have even speculated that the Falcons could pursue a direct trade, potentially centered around a 2026 second-round pick or equivalent compensation — a significant price, but not unprecedented for a proven head coach.
That context only adds weight to the moment.
Yet inside Green Bay, the tone is markedly different.
Those close to the Packers insist that LaFleur’s attention has not drifted. Not to Atlanta. Not to trade value. Not to contract length. The message within the building is simple: everything beyond this postseason can wait.
LaFleur, now firmly established as one of the league’s most respected offensive minds, has guided Green Bay through roster transitions, quarterback development, and shifting expectations. Even amid questions about the future, his approach has remained consistent — detail-oriented, disciplined, and team-first.
“RIGHT NOW NOTHING ELSE EXISTS FOR ME EXCEPT THIS LOCKER ROOM THIS OFFENSE AND THIS CITY” LaFleur SAID PRIVATELY.
“WHATEVER COMES LATER CAN WAIT. I OWE EVERYTHING I HAVE TO THESE GUYS AND IM GOING TO FIGHT WITH THEM UNTIL THE VERY LAST SNAP TO BRING ANOTHER SUPER BOWL BACK TO GREEN BAY.”
For the Packers, this is unfamiliar territory but not uncharted. The organization understands that elite coaches eventually draw outside pressure. What matters now is whether both sides can align on a future — or whether the NFL’s rare coaching trade market comes into play.
If LaFleur ultimately leaves, it will not be framed as instability. It will be framed as value — a head coach so respected that another franchise is willing to pay real assets to acquire him.
Until then, speculation stays external.
Inside Green Bay, the objective is unchanged.
One locker room.
One run.
One more chance to finish together — before whatever comes next.
