Matt LaFleur’s final Packers memory won’t be a dismissive handshake from Ben Johnson.
ESPN.com reported the Packers are working on a new deal for LaFleur after a season that began with Super Bowl aspirations ended Saturday night with a crushing 31-27 road loss the rival Bears in the wild-card round.
LaFleur, 46, has kept the Packers as consistent contenders but only has one playoff win in his past five seasons, leading to speculation the team and coach could part ways.
LaFleur has one year left on his current contract and team president Ed Policy previously said he prefers not to have key personnel in a lame-duck status.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst is also heading into the final year of his contract.
LaFleur was expected to meet with Policy on Sunday or Monday.
“That’s not the focus right now, to be honest with you,” LaFleur said when asked about his future Saturday night. “We’re fresh off this loss. My sole focus is on our players, our team and just trying to find ways to get better.”
Johnson and LaFleur have had a frosty relationship in Johnson’s first year as Chicago’s head coach.
Johnson, who was previously the offensive coordinator for the Lions, only offered a quick handshake to LaFleur while running across the field on Saturday night and then crowed, “F–k the Packers,” in a victorious locker room.
