Arizona Cardinals Appoint Rams' Mike LaFleur as New Head Coach
The Arizona Cardinals have officially named Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, concluding a nearly four-week search process. The franchise has turned to the offensive coordinator of their division rivals, the Los Angeles Rams, in a bold move aimed at lifting the team from the depths of the NFC West standings.
LaFleur's Impressive Offensive Pedigree
The 38-year-old coach, who is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, brings a wealth of offensive experience to the desert. LaFleur has served as the Rams' offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, during which time Los Angeles boasted the NFL's top offense in 2025. Under his guidance, the Rams averaged nearly 400 total yards and more than 30 points per game, ultimately reaching the NFC championship game where they narrowly lost to the Seattle Seahawks.
LaFleur's coaching journey includes previous stints as offensive coordinator for the New York Jets in 2021 and 2022, along with several years working under renowned coach Kyle Shanahan in Cleveland, Atlanta, and San Francisco. This diverse background has equipped him with exposure to some of football's most innovative offensive systems.
Cardinals' Leadership Expresses Confidence
In a statement released by the Cardinals, LaFleur expressed his enthusiasm for the new role: "I couldn't be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and am beyond grateful to [owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort] for this opportunity. Having competed against them in the NFC so many times in recent years, I know the type of talent and toughness the team has and cannot wait to get to Arizona to hit the ground running."
General manager Monti Ossenfort highlighted LaFleur's qualifications, noting: "In his career, Mike has been around some of the best and brightest coaches in football and has been a key contributor to highly successful teams. He understands what winning football looks like and what it takes to achieve it."
The Challenge Ahead in a Competitive Division
LaFleur inherits a Cardinals team that finished last season with a disappointing 3-14 record, resulting in the dismissal of previous head coach Jonathan Gannon after three seasons. The Cardinals' 14 losses in 2025 actually exceeded the combined total of the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers, all of whom advanced to the division round of the playoffs.
The new coach will have some promising pieces to build around, including:
- All-Pro tight end Trey McBride
- Receiver Marvin Harrison Jr
- Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr
- Veteran edge rusher Josh Sweat
Additionally, Arizona holds the valuable No. 3 overall pick in the upcoming April draft, providing an opportunity to add significant talent to the roster.
The Quarterback Question
Perhaps the most pressing issue facing LaFleur is the future of quarterback Kyler Murray. The 28-year-old signal caller, selected first overall in 2019, has led the Cardinals to the playoffs just once during his seven seasons in Arizona. Murray's 2025 campaign was limited to just five games due to a foot injury, during which he threw for 962 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions.
Murray remains under a substantial $230.5 million, five-year contract that could extend through 2028, creating significant financial implications for any decisions about his future with the franchise. Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett started the final 12 games of last season, posting respectable numbers but managing just one victory.
LaFleur's appointment represents a strategic gamble by the Cardinals' front office, betting that his offensive acumen and experience with successful organizations can transform a franchise that last reached the playoffs in 2021. The Cardinals' leadership clearly hopes that hiring from within their competitive division will provide insider knowledge and a fresh approach to rebuilding the team's fortunes.
