Arizona Cardinals Hire Mike LaFleur as New Head Coach

The Arizona Cardinals have officially hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach. Reports indicate LaFleur will sign a five-year contract to lead the team.

This appointment fills the final head coaching vacancy for the 2026 offseason across the league.

Coaching Background

LaFleur brings a varied coaching background to Arizona. Most recently, he served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams starting in 2023. During his time with the Rams, he did not hold play-calling responsibilities, as that role was managed by Head Coach Sean McVay.

Prior to his tenure with the Rams, LaFleur was the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 2021 to 2022. It was in this role that he did call plays.

His career also includes significant time working alongside current San Francisco 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. This extensive collaboration began as an offensive intern for the Cleveland Browns in 2014, when Shanahan was their offensive coordinator. He then served as an offensive assistant for the Atlanta Falcons. Later, he joined the 49ers, holding roles as passing game coordinator and receivers coach starting in 2017, and subsequently as passing game coordinator from 2019 to 2020. LaFleur followed Robert Saleh to the Jets when Saleh became their head coach.

A Pair of Head Coaching Brothers

With this appointment, Mike LaFleur and his older brother, Matt LaFleur, who coaches the Green Bay Packers, now represent the second pair of brothers currently serving as NFL head coaches. The other notable brother duo consists of John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens and Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers.