Aaron Rodgers commented on NFL coaches Mike Tomlin and Matt LaFleur after the Pittsburgh Steelers' 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans. Rodgers, who has played under both coaches, shared his perspective on the current discussion surrounding coaching job security in the league.
Rodgers' Statements
Rodgers indicated that the NFL has changed considerably over his 21-year career. He noted that in his early career, discussions about coaches like Tomlin and LaFleur potentially being on the hot seat would not have occurred. He critiqued the impact of social media and television analysts on coaching evaluations.
"For either of those two guys to be on the hot seat is really apropos of where we’re at as a society and a league," Rodgers stated. He highlighted the significant success of both coaches, mentioning LaFleur's "lot of great things in Green Bay" and Tomlin's consistent success "more than damn near anybody in the league for the last 19, 20 years." Rodgers emphasized that when the correct individual is in leadership and the team culture is strong, changes should not be considered, despite external pressures.
LaFleur's Reaction
Matt LaFleur expressed surprise and gratitude for Rodgers' public endorsement. "I’m speechless," LaFleur conveyed via text, adding, "He didn’t have to do that, but he did. (It’s) one of the nicest compliments (of) my life. I’m so appreciative of him for that."
Coaching Context
LaFleur and Rodgers led the Green Bay Packers to three consecutive 13-win seasons, including two NFC Championship Game appearances, following LaFleur's hiring in 2019. Their collaboration concluded after an 8-9 record in Rodgers' final season with the team in 2022. Since Rodgers' departure, the Packers, with Jordan Love as quarterback, have secured the No. 7 seed in the NFC in all three subsequent seasons. However, two consecutive first-round playoff losses have led to inquiries about LaFleur's future. He has one year remaining on his contract, and team president Ed Policy has previously expressed a general preference against coaches or general managers serving in a contract year.
Rodgers' Career Perspective
Rodgers, 42, mentioned on "The Pat McAfee Show" that 2025 might be his final season in the NFL. He had previously reflected on his 18 years with the Green Bay Packers, expressing lasting affection for the organization. "I’ll retire a Packer and see what happens after that. I’ve got a lot of love for the organization, my time there," Rodgers said in October, attributing much of his life's positive aspects to his football career, which began with Green Bay.