New Era, No Promises: Packers’ Next President Ed Policy Declines to Extend LaFleur and Gutekunst — Green Bay’s “Blank Slate” Begins

In a move that has already triggered both concern and intrigue across Packers Nation, incoming Green Bay Packers president and CEO Ed Policy has reportedly chosen not to extend the contracts of head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst—at least for now. The decision, though not necessarily a final verdict on either man’s future, strongly signals a “prove-it” year for two of the franchise’s most influential figures. As Policy prepares to take over for Mark Murphy in July 2025, he’s making it clear: this is not a continuation of the old regime. It’s a hard reset.

Policy, long considered Murphy’s heir apparent, inherits a Packers organization with a storied legacy and a fan base that demands excellence. But rather than rubber-stamping contract extensions for LaFleur and Gutekunst—whose deals run through 2025—he has opted to put off such decisions until after the upcoming season. The message? Past success doesn’t guarantee future security.

Matt LaFleur’s first three seasons in Green Bay were nothing short of historic. With 39 regular-season wins from 2019 to 2021 and back-to-back NFC Championship Game appearances, he earned praise as one of the brightest minds in football. But since then, the results have been mixed. A turbulent 8-9 campaign in 2022 was followed by a rebound in 2023, thanks largely to the emergence of Jordan Love, who showed real promise as Aaron Rodgers’ successor. The 2024 season could be pivotal.

Now, entering his sixth year at the helm, LaFleur finds himself coaching under a microscope. Policy’s decision not to preemptively renew his contract is a clear challenge: deliver results now, or risk being replaced in a year.

Gutekunst, too, has been a lightning rod for debate. He drafted Love amid controversy, let franchise icons like Davante Adams and Aaron Rodgers walk, and has reshaped the roster through a mix of bold draft picks and quiet free agency moves. His decisions have built the young core that showed flashes of brilliance in 2023—but inconsistency still clouds his record.

While the Packers reached the Divisional Round last season, expectations are higher. Green Bay’s front office, under Policy’s vision, seems to be moving away from long-term loyalty and toward performance-based accountability. Gutekunst’s future now depends on whether his roster can compete for a Super Bowl, not just make the playoffs.

What’s emerging is not just a personnel evaluation—it’s a cultural shift. Under Murphy, Green Bay was known for stability and internal promotion. But Policy, a savvy executive with experience in both the legal and business sides of the NFL, appears more results-driven and less sentimental.

While some within the organization hoped for early contract resolutions to project unity, Policy has doubled down on meritocracy. In his brief public comments, he emphasized “organizational alignment” and “continuous evaluation,” language that feels more corporate than familial. That tone is deliberate. This is a new era.

Unsurprisingly, the Packers’ passionate fan base is split. Some fans applaud Policy’s tough stance, believing it will light a fire under LaFleur and Gutekunst. Others worry it will create instability in a locker room that’s finally finding its identity after years of post-Rodgers uncertainty.

Social media reaction has been intense. “About time someone holds the front office accountable,” one fan posted on X. Another countered, “LaFleur deserves better than to twist in the wind after what he’s done.”

One thing is clear: 2025 will be a defining year for the Green Bay Packers. Jordan Love must continue his upward trajectory. LaFleur must prove he can adapt and win consistently without a Hall of Fame quarterback. Gutekunst must show that his draft-and-develop strategy can produce championship-level depth.