Matt LaFleur seems to have received a positive update concerning his coaching staff as the Green Bay Packers prepare for the 2026 season. The organization has navigated several adjustments since its 2025 playoff exit, including a significant change on defense.
Former defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley left the team to accept the head coaching position with the Miami Dolphins, creating a notable vacancy on LaFleur’s staff.
LaFleur aims to keep parts of his staff intact, with DeMarcus Covington drawing attention around the league. Still, Derailed podcast host JJ Lahey shared insight suggesting the defensive assistant could remain in Green Bay next season
So DeMarcus Covington will be the only defensive coach who didn't get hired away from the Packers this year. https://t.co/2Gu3RKcFjr
— J.J. Lahey 🧀 (@JJLahey) February 14, 2026
“As Derailed podcast host J.J. Lahey noted, it seems that Covington will be the lone notable defensive coach to return after the Las Vegas Raiders went in a different direction. Rob Leonard has won the role and left Green Bay with at least one familiar face it can expect to retain for the 2026 season,” Dairyland Express’ Nick Halden wrote in his article.
“It is a bit of relief to retain Covington, considering that not only Haffley but Sean Duggan, Ryan Downard, Derrick Ansley, Wendel Davis, and Vince Oghobaase all previously departed. Even with new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon being an experienced head coach, this is a major overhaul that could spark concern from the Packer fanbase,” Halden continued.
Can Matt LaFleur lead the Packers to the Super Bowl?
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt Lafleur walks off the field after their wild card playoff game Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Chicago Bears beat the Green Bay Packers 31-27.
Matt LaFleur and the Packers need to position themselves as legitimate Super Bowl contenders in 2026. LaFleur has guided the franchise to the playoffs in six of his seven seasons, but the high point came in 2019 and 2020 when Green Bay reached the NFC Championship Game, only to fall short against San Francisco and Tampa Bay.
Since then, the Packers have bowed out in either the Divisional Round or the Wild Card Round, with 2022 marking the lone season they failed to qualify for the postseason. This past year ended with a Wild Card loss to the Chicago Bears, a result that could intensify scrutiny on LaFleur if he does not guide the team back into true Super Bowl contention next season.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is shown during the fourth quarter of their preseason game Saturday, August 23, 2025 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Green Bay Packers beat the Seattle Seahawks 20-7.
LaFleur clearly has the coaching ability to keep the Packers competitive and in the playoff mix, and the organization has shown faith by extending his contract despite a disappointing Wild Card exit. However, what really matters next season is whether he can elevate Green Bay into genuine Super Bowl contention — something he hasn’t yet done, as the team hasn’t reached a title game since the 2020 season under his leadership.