Kyle Shanahan Comments on Easy Decision to Block Matt LaFleur From Hiring His Brother
By Andy Loughmiller
The San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers will square off in primetime for Sunday Night Football in Week 12. First-year Packers head coach Matt LaFleur won't be the only member of his family coaching on the sidelines during this contest, however.
LaFleur's little brother Mike is the passing game coordinator for San Francisco. During the offseason, the Packers actually attempted to hire the youngest of the LaFleur brothers away from the 49ers, but Kyle Shanahan wasn't going to let that happen.
Asked Kyle Shanahan about blocking #Packers coach Matt LaFleur from hiring his younger brother, Mike LaFleur. Shanahan instead promoted Mike LaFleur to 49ers pass game coordinator. “I was never tempted. It was very easy, and I looked forward to saying ‘no’ very quickly.”
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) November 20, 2019
Why? pic.twitter.com/DDDqeTLjv2
The Niners had a surprisingly good passing game in 2018 despite being without franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for much of the season. Shanahan wasn't going to let the guy behind that air attack leave the team to join his brother in Green Bay. "I looked forward to saying no very quickly," said the third-year head coach.
Shanahan and Mike LaFleur may not share the same blood, but they do have a history together.
Matt LaFleur worked with 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan at three different places – the Texans, Redskins and Falcons.... https://t.co/Myhn3xFth3
— Bill Frazier (@bfrazier65) November 21, 2019
This adds another layer to an already fascinating matchup between two of the best teams in the NFL. Bragging rights will certainly be up for grabs for the LaFleurs in this one.
No matter what happens, there will be some real topics to discuss come Thanksgiving time.