The NFL’s Last Coaching Spot is Now Filled
The Arizona Cardinals have officially announced the hiring of Mike LaFleur as their new head coach. LaFleur, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, steps into a role where the team has struggled, notably not having won a playoff game since 2015 and making just one postseason appearance in that time.
At 38, LaFleur is the brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. He spent the last few years working under Robert Saleh with the Jets, but that partnership ended following the 2022 season.
In his recent season with the Rams, LaFleur helped the team achieve impressive results, leading the NFL in both yards and points per game. That season saw quarterback Matthew Stafford among the candidates for MVP, highlighting a robust offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals made the decision to move on from coach Jonathan Gannon after three difficult seasons, which included a disheartening 3-14 record in 2025. Despite the coaching change, general manager Monty Ossenfort has been retained to help build for the future.
Gannon, who came to Arizona after his stint as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator, was supposed to lead the team, particularly with franchise quarterback Kyler Murray in place. But it seems things didn’t pan out as hoped. During Gannon’s time, the team faced numerous injuries and finished with a 15-36 record, which placed them at the bottom of the NFC West.
Owner Michael Bidwill voiced the decision to move on from Gannon, expressing that they wanted to see the season through before evaluating the situation. He emphasized the importance of assessing the full scope of the team’s performance before making such a decision.
Looking ahead, LaFleur’s new staff now faces vital questions about the future of Murray. The quarterback, who has two years remaining on a significant contract, had a rough 2025, playing only five games and putting up modest numbers. In his absence, Jacoby Brissett took on the majority of the games as the starting quarterback.
As the Cardinals embark on this new chapter, fans will be watching closely to see if LaFleur can spark a turnaround for a team that has seen better days.
