Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Reflects on Tough Season Finish

Gutekunst discusses challenges of late-season struggles and commitment to getting the team back on track

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:39pm

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In a lengthy news conference, Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst addressed several big-picture topics following a disappointing end to the 2025 season. Gutekunst acknowledged the difficulty in processing the team's late-season collapse, including blowing a 21-3 halftime lead in the NFC Wild Card playoff loss. He emphasized that the blame is shared across players, coaches and the organization, and they will examine all angles to ensure the Packers are playing their best football in December and January going forward. Gutekunst expressed faith in special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia and said he remains grateful for the contract extension that allows him, head coach Matt LaFleur and executive Russ Ball to continue their work.

Why it matters

The Packers' struggles to finish the 2025 season strongly and make a deep playoff run have raised questions about the team's ability to perform at a championship level when it matters most. Gutekunst's comments provide insight into the team's self-evaluation process and their determination to get back on track in 2026.

The details

Gutekunst noted the Packers lost five straight games to end the season, including the NFC Wild Card playoff loss to the Chicago Bears after holding a 21-3 halftime lead. He acknowledged the difficulty in processing such a tough finish, emphasizing that the blame is shared across the organization and they will examine all angles to ensure better finishing of games and seasons going forward. Gutekunst pointed out the Packers were 25-8 in December and January during the first five years under head coach Matt LaFleur, but have gone just 3-9 the last two years, an issue they are closely analyzing. While injuries played a role, Gutekunst refused to use that as an excuse, noting he felt the team had what it needed to win those games. He expressed strong faith in special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia and praised his impact on the team's culture. Gutekunst also voiced gratitude for the contract extension that keeps him, LaFleur and executive Russ Ball in place to continue their work.

The Packers lost five straight games to conclude the 2025 season.
In the NFC Wild Card playoff, the Packers held a 21-3 halftime lead before losing to the Chicago Bears.

The players

Brian Gutekunst

The general manager of the Green Bay Packers, who has been with the organization since 1997 and is tasked with getting the team to the next level after recent late-season struggles.

Matt LaFleur

The head coach of the Green Bay Packers, who has worked closely with Gutekunst and is seen as the key to the team's future success.

Russ Ball

The executive vice president and director of football operations for the Green Bay Packers, who is part of the team's leadership trio along with Gutekunst and LaFleur.

Rich Bisaccia

The special teams coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, whom Gutekunst expressed strong faith in and praised for his impact on the team's culture.

Ed Policy

The president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, who recently extended the contracts of Gutekunst, LaFleur and Ball, providing them the opportunity to finish what they've started.

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What they’re saying

“Finishing games is certainly something that we've got to concentrate on as we head into the 2026. Certainly we played very, very well in the first half and had a lot of things in front of us. And when you get in situations like that, you expect to win the game.”