NFL insider details tension between Matt LaFleur and Kyle Shanahan
Matt LaFleur and Kyle Shanahan have already met four times in their coaching careers, following two years together as assistants in Atlanta. Ahead of last week’s meeting, Sports Illustrated writer Michael Silver detailed the growing tension which has developed over the past few months.
In a Twitter thread, Silver detailed the friendship between the two coaches in Atlanta and beyond, but then went on to provide specifics on the frustration which has slowly built up.
“The Rodgers situation caused a lot of drama between LaFleur, Shanahan and their mutual friends and coaching colleagues last spring,” wrote Silver. “And one story in particular–which took place on the first night of the draft–underscores that strain”
Draft day call
According to the NFL insider, a group of 49ers and Jets officials shared a playful facetime conversation minutes before the start of the 2021 NFL Draft. Shanahan talked to a pair of former 49ers assistants, new Jets head coach Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur, who followed Saleh across the country.
“Shanahan joked to Saleh and (Mike) LaFleur: ‘I hope you guys don’t take a different QB and cross us up. We haven’t looked hard enough at Wilson,’” wrote Silver.
“’What do you mean? You’ve already got your quarterback,’ Mike LaFleur replied to Shanahan. ‘Aaron Rodgers.’ Shanahan tried to brush it off as a joke, saying, ‘Hey, tell your brother to call me back. He hasn’t returned my calls.’ LaFleur’s response: ‘Can you blame him?’”
Just hours before the call took place, Aaron Rodgers shocked the world by publicly seeking a trade away from Green Bay. Just two years into his relationship with LaFleur and months after an MVP Award, one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history wanted out.
The San Francisco 49ers had placed a call shortly after hearing the news, hoping to lure the California native back to his home for the final years of his career. According to Silver’s sources, who are familiar with the phone conversation, Shanahan grew frustrated and left the room.
“In his eyes, he had merely done due diligence on behalf of his franchise,” wrote Silver. “But it was clear to all that Matt LaFleur viewed it differently.”
Latest developments
In the end, the Jets stayed on the board with Zach Wilson and the 49ers were able to get their favorite incoming quarterback at No. 3. With Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance on the roster, the 49ers appear to be out of the running for Rodgers as teams prepare for round two this offseason.
Prior to Sunday’s game, both Matt LaFleur and Kyle Shanahan made a point to downplay the tension and suggested that the friendship is still alive and well. As the coaches continue to face each other year after year in high-stakes games, their relationship will certainly remain a headline.