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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Packers just ended their regular season, and it was a disappointing one for Matt LaFleur’s team. They missed the playoffs for the second time in 3 years. For a team with Aaron Rodgers, that does not bode well. As the Packers look to move past the failures of this season, HC Matt LaFleur spoke to the media in his end-season presser.

He was asked about the possibility of bringing back former Broncos HC Nathaniel Hackett, who was recently fired by Denver. “I think I’ve definitely entertained all that,” LaFleur told reporters. Hackett previously served as the Offensive Coordinator for the Packers between 2019-2021, and a reunion might not be entirely out of the picture. The top coach was well respected at his position in the Packers, which inevitably earned him a head coaching job at the Broncos.

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Fans had fiery opinions about Matt LaFleur’s comments

LaFleur’s comments stirred up a storm in Green Bay, with many fans roasting him and Hackett for their recent failures:

Many fans criticized Hackett for his subpar tenure as the Broncos HC:

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This fan also suggested Matt Nagy as an alternative to Hackett for the Packers.

What could Matt Lafleur bringing back Hackett mean for the Packers?

Matt Lafleur has often been criticized for the staleness of his offense with the Packers. These problems were highlighted even after Hackett left the team to join the Broncos. A reunion of Hackett and LaFleur at the Packers might allow the reeling offense of the team to be revitalized with some juice next season.

As this fan said:

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However, after Hackett’s stint at the Broncos it was evident that play calling was not his forte. LaFleur himself was often criticized this season for his play calling, including by his own QB Aaron Rodgers. In his post-game interview after Sunday’s loss to the Lions, Rodgers told reporters, “Those last three calls definitely sting a little bit…. But [we’ve] still got to execute.”

USA Today via Reuters

The bulk of the pressure will now fall on Matt LaFleur and the Packers’ Management to be able to refine their current plays and play calling. Some of the issues in drawing up a better offense can be solved by replacing OC Adam Stenavich with the proven success of Hackett at the Packers. But the integral issue of finding a better play-caller might force the Packers to ask themselves an important question. Is it time to move on from Matt LaFleur?

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