Arizona Cardinals Appoint Mike LaFleur as Head Coach
In a significant move to revitalize their struggling franchise, the Arizona Cardinals announced on Sunday that they’ve appointed Mike LaFleur as their new head coach. LaFleur, who was previously the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, steps in to fill the role following the dismissal of Jonathan Gannon, who managed a disappointing 15-36 record during his tenure, including a 3-14 season last year.
LaFleur’s Coaching Background
The decision to hire LaFleur marks the conclusion of a lengthy search process spanning nearly four weeks. At just 38 years old, he is known not only for his offensive prowess but also as the younger sibling of Matt LaFleur, the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. Under LaFleur’s guidance, the Rams boasted the top offensive stats in the NFL for the 2025 season, amassing nearly 400 yards and over 30 points per game. They narrowly missed out on a Super Bowl appearance, falling to the Seattle Seahawks 31-27 in the NFC championship.
LaFleur’s successful run with the Rams included two dominant victories over the Cardinals last season, during which the Rams scored a collective 82 points. Before his time in Los Angeles, LaFleur held similar roles with the New York Jets and has extensive experience working under notable coaches like Kyle Shanahan in Cleveland, Atlanta, and San Francisco.
Challenges Ahead for LaFleur
As LaFleur takes the helm in Arizona, he will be working with some promising talents on the roster, including All-Pro tight end Trey McBride, rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., and experienced defensive player Josh Sweat. Moreover, the Cardinals hold the coveted No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft, providing an opportunity to further bolster the team.
However, one of the major challenges LaFleur faces will be addressing the uncertain future of quarterback Kyler Murray. The 28-year-old, drafted first overall in 2019, has had a tumultuous career, having led the team to the playoffs only once during his seven seasons. Last year, he dealt with a serious foot injury that limited him to just five games, where he posted 962 passing yards, six touchdown passes, and three interceptions. Murray is currently under a substantial five-year contract worth $230.5 million that extends through 2028.
In Murray’s absence, backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett filled in during the latter part of the season, but despite racking up over 3,300 yards, he led the team to just one victory in 12 appearances. As LaFleur embarks on this new chapter, he must navigate the competitive landscape of the NFC West, a division that demonstrated its prowess last season with the Cardinals’ total of 14 losses surpassing the combined tally of the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers, all of whom found success in the playoffs. The Seahawks are set to compete for the Super Bowl on February 8, underscoring the challenges LaFleur must address in order to elevate the Cardinals’ standing in the league.
