Quick Read
- The Arizona Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
- LaFleur signed a five-year contract, replacing Jonathan Gannon, who was fired on January 5.
- He previously served as the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator for three seasons and the New York Jets’ OC from 2021-2022.
- The Cardinals finished the last season with a 3-14 record and hold the third pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
- LaFleur faces immediate challenges, including the uncertain future of starting quarterback Kyler Murray.
TEMPE, Ariz. (Azat TV) – The Arizona Cardinals announced Sunday their official hiring of Mike LaFleur, the former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator, as the team’s new head coach on a five-year contract. This appointment concludes a nearly month-long search following the dismissal of Jonathan Gannon and tasks LaFleur with revitalizing a franchise that finished last season with a 3-14 record and faces significant questions at the quarterback position.
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill lauded LaFleur’s qualities in a statement, emphasizing his intelligence, creative football mind, and dynamic leadership. General Manager Monti Ossenfort echoed these sentiments, highlighting LaFleur’s strong communication skills and detail-oriented teaching style. The 38-year-old LaFleur, who turns 39 in March, expressed his excitement, stating he was “beyond grateful” for the opportunity and eager to “hit the ground running” in Arizona.
LaFleur’s Coaching Journey and Philosophy
Mike LaFleur brings a notable coaching pedigree to Arizona. He spent the past three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, where, under head coach Sean McVay, the team’s offense consistently ranked among the league’s elite. During his tenure, the Rams’ offense, which reached the NFC Championship Game, led the league in points per game, yards per game, total yards per play, passing yards per game, and first downs per game, with quarterback Matthew Stafford delivering an MVP-caliber season. While LaFleur did not call plays for the Rams, he previously served as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator from 2021 to 2022, where he did hold play-calling duties.
His career also includes stints with the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers, dating back to 2014, working under prominent offensive minds like Kyle Shanahan. This background positions LaFleur as a product of the highly successful McVay-Shanahan offensive tree, which has seen several branches sprout into head coaching roles across the NFL. Notably, he is also the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, adding another layer to his coaching lineage.
LaFleur’s hiring marks the sixth consecutive time the Cardinals have opted for a head coach without prior permanent NFL head coaching experience, signaling a continued preference for fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. The team had also met with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who is now expected to become the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach after the Super Bowl, as sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Inheriting a Cardinals Team in Transition
LaFleur takes over a Cardinals team in dire need of a turnaround. The franchise has not made the playoffs since 2021 and has not secured a postseason victory since its 2015 NFC Championship Game run. In 2025, the Cardinals’ offense dropped to 19th in the league, a significant decline from its 11th ranking in 2024, while the defense ranked 27th. The team’s 3-14 finish earned them the third overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, presenting a crucial opportunity for rebuilding.
A paramount challenge awaiting LaFleur is the uncertain future of quarterback Kyler Murray. Murray, the incumbent starter, played only five games in 2025 dueg to a foot injury, with Jacoby Brissett filling in. While Murray is under contract through at least 2027, with substantial guarantees, his long-term role with the team remains a significant question mark. Should Murray remain on the roster on the fifth day of the 2026 league year, his $19.5 million base salary for 2027 becomes fully guaranteed, adding a layer of complexity to the decision-making process for LaFleur and General Manager Monti Ossenfort. The Cardinals have also invested recent first-round picks in players like Marvin Harrison Jr., Darius Robinson, and Walter Nolen, who represent key pieces for the team’s future.
Expectations and the NFC West Challenge
The Cardinals operate in the highly competitive NFC West, a division that saw three of its four teams make the playoffs last season. Owner Michael Bidwill has openly expressed his desire for a quick turnaround, stating he hopes it will take place “in the first year, not in the second year.” This sets a high bar for LaFleur, who brings a deep familiarity with the division from his time with both the Rams and the San Francisco 49ers (2017-2020).
LaFleur’s task will be to implement his offensive philosophy while addressing the team’s various roster needs, particularly on defense and the offensive line, and navigating the critical quarterback decision. His experience as part of highly successful offensive schemes under McVay and Shanahan will be vital as he attempts to instill a new culture and elevate the performance of a struggling Cardinals squad. The pressure for immediate improvement is palpable, as Arizona strives to compete within one of the NFL’s most formidable divisions.
The hiring of Mike LaFleur underscores the Arizona Cardinals’ commitment to an offensive-minded approach and a youth movement in their coaching staff, signaling a clear pivot from the defensive background of his predecessor and a strategic bet on a coach steeped in modern, high-powered offensive systems to navigate a challenging rebuild.