Arizona Cardinals have ushered in a new era by appointing Mike LaFleur as their head coach, handing the franchise to one of the NFL’s most respected offensive minds.
As of February 1, 2026, LaFleur steps into his first head-coaching role after years of working behind the scenes in high-level offensive systems, most recently with the Los Angeles Rams.
A steady rise through the coaching ranks
Mike LaFleur’s coaching journey has been defined by consistency and trust earned within elite NFL environments. Before his move to Arizona, LaFleur served as the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, where he worked closely with head coach Sean McVay.
During that stint, he played a central role in weekly game planning, offensive installation, and quarterback development, regularly seen collaborating with Matthew Stafford during organized team activities, training camps, and playoff preparations.
Mike LaFleur’s time in Los Angeles exposed him to one of the league’s most refined offensive operations. From training camps at Loyola Marymount University to postseason matchups, his responsibilities extended well beyond play design, offering him a front-row seat to the demands of running a complete NFL program.
Experience that extends beyond the Rams
Prior to his tenure in Los Angeles, LaFleur also held the role of offensive coordinator with the New York Jets. That experience proved significant in shaping his leadership profile, as it required managing an offense under different roster dynamics and organizational expectations.
Working in Florham Park helped LaFleur gain valuable insight into player development, staff coordination, and adapting schemes to evolving personnel.
Across multiple franchises, Mike LaFleur developed a reputation as a detail-oriented coach with a strong grasp of modern offensive principles, particularly systems built around rhythm, spacing, and situational flexibility.
Why Arizona turned to LaFleur
Arizona Cardinals’ decision to hire LaFleur reflects a clear organizational shift toward structure and long-term planning. Arizona has prioritized offensive clarity and staff continuity, and LaFleur’s background within successful coaching trees made him an appealing candidate.
His close working relationship with Sean McVay also provided him exposure to head-coaching responsibilities, including staff management and practice organization.
What lies ahead for Arizona Cardinals
As head coach, Mike LaFleur now carries responsibility beyond the offense, tasked with shaping Arizona’s overall identity. While expectations will naturally be high, the Cardinals are banking on his experience, preparation, and modern football mindset to guide the franchise forward.