TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals have made a big move, hiring Mike LaFleur as their new head coach. He comes from the Los Angeles Rams, where he was the offensive coordinator. This decision ends a nearly month-long search for a coach after they parted ways with Jonathan Gannon, who had a tough three seasons with a record of 15-36.
LaFleur, 38, is excited about his new role. “I couldn’t be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals,” he said. “I know the talent and toughness this team has, and I can’t wait to get to Arizona and get started.”
During his time with the Rams, LaFleur helped lead the NFL’s top offense in 2025, averaging nearly 400 total yards and more than 30 points a game. The Rams reached the NFC championship but lost to the Seattle Seahawks. The Cardinals faced off against LaFleur’s Rams twice last season, suffering two heavy defeats.
The Cardinals’ search for a head coach was quiet, but they reportedly looked at several candidates. Owner Michael Bidwill expressed confidence in LaFleur: “At the end of that process, it was clear that Mike LaFleur possesses all the traits necessary to lead this team to success.”
LaFleur will work with talent on the Cardinals’ roster, including All-Pro tight end Trey McBride and first-round pick Marvin Harrison Jr. Arizona also holds the third overall pick in the upcoming draft, a key opportunity to strengthen the team.
One of the biggest challenges for LaFleur will be the future of quarterback Kyler Murray. After a foot injury sidelined him for most of last season, he only played five games, throwing for 962 yards and six touchdowns. His future with the team remains uncertain, even though he has a substantial contract through 2028.
Jacoby Brissett started most of the season and had 3,366 yards, but the team only managed one win in that stretch. LaFleur will need to rebuild and improve the Cardinals, especially in a tough NFC West, which featured three teams that reached the playoff division round last year.
LaFleur has a background working with some of the best in football, including years under Kyle Shanahan. His experience could be crucial for the Cardinals as they look to change their fortunes.
In recent NFL trends, coaching changes often lead to impressive turnarounds. For example, the San Francisco 49ers saw a quick revival after hiring Shanahan. It remains to be seen if LaFleur can replicate that success in Arizona.
As he steps into his new role, LaFleur brings fresh energy and ideas to a team looking for hope after a tough season. Time will tell if he can elevate the Cardinals into a competitive force in the NFC.
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