Few would argue that the Arizona Cardinals endured a nightmare season. Jonathan Gannon was unable to make the team competitive in the tough NFC West, prompting management to change course and hire an offensive-minded leader: Mike LaFleur.
Gannon joined the Cardinals in 2023, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. Over three seasons, he compiled a 15-36 record, including a disappointing 3-14 finish in 2025.
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Much of the Cardinals’ struggles stemmed from quarterback Kyler Murray’s injury in Week 5, which sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Now, owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort have turned to LaFleur to spark a turnaround and guide the team back to playoff contention.
LaFleur’s arrival sparks hope in Arizona
In a statement on their website, the Cardinals announced LaFleur’s hiring with a five-year contract. Financial terms were not disclosed.
At his introductory press conference, LaFleur said: “I couldn’t be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.” He also thanked Bidwill and Ossenfort for the opportunity.
“Having competed against them in the NFC so many times in recent years, I know the type of talent and toughness this team has, and I cannot wait to get to Arizona and hit the ground running.”
Ossenfort praised LaFleur’s leadership qualities, saying: “He understands what winning football looks like and what it takes to achieve it.” He highlighted LaFleur’s communication skills and attention to detail as key strengths.
Who is Mike LaFleur?
Mike LaFleur is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. Before joining the Cardinals, he served as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams under Sean McVay and for the New York Jets under Robert Saleh.
Although LaFleur didn’t call plays for McVay, he was instrumental in designing the offense that helped Matthew Stafford emerge as a leading candidate for the 2025 MVP award.
Under LaFleur’s guidance, the Rams’ offense ranked among the league’s best:
- No. 1 in yards per game: 394.6
- No. 1 in passing yards per game: 268.1
- No. 1 in points per game: 30.5
- No. 2 in passer rating: 109
- No. 7 in rushing yards per game: 126.6
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