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49ers Passing Game Coordinator Mike LaFleur Secretly Signed Contract Extension During Postseason

By Jackson Thompson

Mike LaFleur and Dante Pettis on the sideline during the 49ers games vs the New York Giants in 2018.
Mike LaFleur and Dante Pettis on the sideline during the 49ers games vs the New York Giants in 2018. / Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

The San Francisco 49ers are retaining a key part of their staff after some sneaky maneuvers during their playoff run. Passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur, whose contract was set to expire after this season, was extended by the front office recently, unbeknownst to many.

In face, he was involved in Eagles rumors as recently as Sunday morning.

As reiterated by ESPN's Adam Schefter, LaFleur was wanted by his brother, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, to join his staff in Green Bay prior to last season, and could've been an option once again this offseason (though the overtures were blocked last time). San Francisco wasn't willing to lose LaFleur however, so they extended him before the Packers had the chance.

In addition to the Packers, there were also rumors that the Eagles were interested in bringing in LaFleur to fill their offensive coordinator position. San Francisco blocked all possibility of other teams poaching one of their most valuable assistants, with an under-the-radar contract extension in the midst of a run to the Super Bowl.

When Kyle Shanahan took the 49ers head coaching job, he brought LaFleur with him from the Atlanta Falcons. The Niners had the 13th ranked passing offense in the league this year.

LaFleur has worked with three different quarterbacks since coming to San Francisco, and has helped Jimmy Garoppolo develop into one of the league's more efficient passers.

He is also credited with the production of tight end George Kittle, who ascended to one of the most dominant pass catchers in the NFL this season. Kittle hauled in 85 passes for 1,053 yards and six touchdowns in 2019.