Matt Lafleur and Kyle Shanahan: A Tale of Two Coaching Prodigies

Early Life and Coaching Background

Matt Lafleur and Kyle Shanahan are two of the most successful head coaches in the NFL today. Both men have achieved great success in a short amount of time, and both have been praised for their offensive acumen.

Lafleur, 43, is a native of Mount Pleasant, Michigan. He played college football at Western Michigan University, where he was a three-year starter at quarterback. After graduating from college, Lafleur began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Michigan State University.

Shanahan, 42, is the son of former NFL head coach Mike Shanahan. He grew up in the NFL and began his coaching career as a quality control coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Success in the NFL

Lafleur was hired as the head coach of the Green Bay Packers in 2019, and he immediately turned the team around. In his first season, the Packers went 13-3 and won the NFC North. The Packers repeated as NFC North champions last season.

Shanahan was hired as the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 2017, and he quickly turned that team around as well. In his first season, the 49ers went 6-10. However, the team improved to 13-3 in 2019 and won the NFC West. The 49ers also reached the Super Bowl that season, but they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Offensive Philosophies

Lafleur and Shanahan are both known for their offensive prowess. Lafleur's offense is based on the outside zone running game, and he uses a variety of play-action passes to keep defenses honest.

Shanahan's offense is based on the West Coast offense, and he uses a variety of formations and motions to create mismatches for his players. Shanahan is also known for his creative play-calling, and he often uses unique formations and trick plays to catch defenses off guard.

Coaching Influences

Lafleur and Shanahan have both been influenced by a number of different coaches throughout their careers. Lafleur has credited former Packers head coach Mike McCarthy as being a major influence on his coaching style.

Shanahan has credited his father, Mike Shanahan, as being his biggest influence. He has also credited former 49ers head coach Bill Walsh as being a major influence on his offensive philosophy.