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Matt and Mike LaFleur: Exploring the Family Ties of NFL Coaches
5 months agoUS
The NFL coaching world often sees family connections playing a significant role. Matt LaFleur, the Green Bay Packers head coach, and Mike LaFleur, the Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, are prime examples. This article explores the ties between the two coaches and their family's deep roots in football.
Key Insights
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Matt LaFleur and Mike LaFleur are brothers. Mike is the younger brother of Matt.
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Both brothers have a background as quarterbacks, transitioning into offensive coaching roles.
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Their father, Denny LaFleur, played linebacker at Central Michigan and was a long-time assistant coach for the team.
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Matt LaFleur is 46 years old (as of January 2026), and Mike LaFleur is 38 years old.
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Both have risen through the NFL coaching ranks, with Matt becoming a head coach and Mike an offensive coordinator.
Why this matters: Understanding the family connections and coaching lineage provides context to their careers and the influences that have shaped their coaching philosophies.
In-Depth Analysis
Background
The LaFleur family's involvement in football extends back to Denny LaFleur, who played at Central Michigan. This early exposure to the sport significantly influenced Matt and Mike's career paths.
Matt LaFleur's Coaching Journey
Matt LaFleur's career includes assistant roles at various universities before breaking into the NFL with the Houston Texans in 2008. He developed a relationship with Kyle Shanahan, leading to roles with the Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons. Matt became the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 and later the head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 2019.
Mike LaFleur's Coaching Journey
Mike LaFleur's career began at Elmhurst, followed by roles at St. Joseph's and Davidson. He joined the NFL as an offensive intern with the Cleveland Browns in 2014 and later worked with the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers. In 2021, he became the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets before joining the Rams in 2023.
The Sean McVay Connection
Both LaFleur brothers are part of Sean McVay's coaching tree. Matt worked as McVay's offensive coordinator with the Rams in 2017, and Mike currently holds the same position. This connection highlights the impact of McVay's coaching philosophy on their careers.
Family Life
Matt is married to BreAnne LaFleur, and they have two sons. Mike is married to Lauren LaFleur, and they also have two children.
Coaching Timeline
Matt LaFleur:
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2003: Saginaw Valley State, Offensive Assistant
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2004-05: Central Michigan, Graduate Assistant
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2006: Northern Michigan, Quarterbacks Coach
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2007: Ashland, Offensive Coordinator
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2008-09: Houston Texans, Offensive Assistant
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2010-13: Washington Redskins, Quarterbacks Coach
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2014: Notre Dame, Quarterbacks Coach
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2015-16: Atlanta Falcons, Quarterbacks Coach
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2017: Los Angeles Rams, Offensive Coordinator
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2018: Tennessee Titans, Offensive Coordinator
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2019–Present: Green Bay Packers, Head Coach
Mike LaFleur:
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2009: Elmhurst, Offensive Assistant
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2010-12: St. Joseph’s (IN), Quarterbacks Coach & Offensive Coordinator
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2013: Davidson, Offensive Coordinator, Quarterbacks & Wide Receivers Coach
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2014: Cleveland Browns, Offensive Intern
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2015-16: Atlanta Falcons, Offensive Assistant
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2017-20: San Francisco 49ers, Passing Game Coordinator & Wide Receivers Coach
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2021-22: New York Jets, Offensive Coordinator
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2023–Present: Los Angeles Rams, Offensive Coordinator
FAQs
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Q: Are Matt and Mike LaFleur related?
Yes, they are brothers. Mike is Matt's younger brother.
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Q: Who is Denny LaFleur?
He is the father of Matt and Mike LaFleur and played football at Central Michigan.
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Q: What is the Sean McVay coaching tree?
It refers to the coaches who have worked under Sean McVay and have gone on to have successful coaching careers themselves. Both LaFleur brothers are considered part of this tree.
Key Takeaways
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The LaFleur brothers have deep roots in football, influenced by their father's coaching career.
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Both have risen through the ranks to hold prominent positions in the NFL.
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Their connection to the Sean McVay coaching tree highlights the impact of innovative coaching philosophies in the league.
Discussion
Do you think family connections play a significant role in NFL coaching success? Let us know!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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