The Arizona Cardinals have finally found their head coach, becoming the last team of the offseason to do so.
According to multiple NFL insiders, the Cardinals have hired former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to replace Jonathan Gannon.
A bright young offensive mind whose brother is also the coach of the #Packers, Lafleur stood out early in the process. After due diligence, AZ makes the move.
LaFleur was one of the hotter names of this coaching cycle. Being a pupil of Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, LaFleur brings offensive ingenuity from his former mentors.
The Cardinals were clear in their efforts to bring LaFleur to be their next coach. While they were sidetracked by the possibility of bringing in Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, LaFleur was their guy from the beginning.
What Does LaFleur Bring to the Arizona Cardinals?
The Rams’ offense under LaFleur ranked first in points per game in 2025 (30.5/g), most likely producing quarterback Matthew Stafford’s first MVP award.
Also producing wide receiver Puka Nacua, LaFleur had plenty of weapons on the team. While he didn’t call the plays (that duty went to McVay), he still was vital to the Rams’ success.
Now he’s tasked to improve a Cardinals team that went 3-14 (0-6 in division). Arizona did not score more than 30 points in a single game this season, and needs an offensive infusion.
Heralded for one of the best offensive game-planning in the league, LaFleur will use that in his head coaching duties.
LaFleur, in an official statement released by the team, showed his enthusiasm for the position.
“I couldn’t be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and am beyond grateful to Michael (Bidwill) and Monti (Ossenfort) for this opportunity,” LaFleur said.
“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.”
Tasked with working with Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, LaFleur hopes to maximize their potential. But one key player may not be a part of it.
What’s Next for Kyler Murray and Arizona’s QB Situation?
This will be the biggest question mark of the offseason: what to do at quarterback. Murray has failed to stay healthy and produce consistently throughout his career.
With a change in coaching, this places his future in Arizona in heavy doubt. Bringing in a new head coach can normally spell doom for the incumbent quarterback.
When an organization brings in an offensive-minded coach on board, that coach might want his own scheme and quarterback that fits it, rather than tailoring it around the incumbent.
Murray will likely be on a new team in 2026 because of this. LaFleur will likely want to bring in his own quarterback who knows his system or get a young quarterback in the upcoming draft.
The Cardinals are entering a new era, and LaFleur will be at the head of it.
Cardinals Finally Hire Head Coach; What’s Next?