The Arizona Cardinals have found their new head coach, hiring Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to a five-year contract on Sunday, February 1, 2026. The move ends a nearly four-week search and brings in a divisional rival's play-caller to revive a franchise that finished with a 3-14 record last season. At 38 years old, LaFleur becomes one of the youngest head coaches in the NFL and takes over a team facing significant questions about its quarterback future and direction.
How the Cardinals Landed Their New Coach
After firing Jonathan Gannon on January 5 following three disappointing seasons, the Cardinals conducted an extensive coaching search that zeroed in on LaFleur early in the process. According to multiple reports, including from NBC News and Reuters, the Cardinals were impressed by LaFleur's work with the Rams' top-ranked offense in 2025 and his background in the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree.
The five-year contract represents a significant commitment from Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort, who stated in the team's announcement: "At the end of that process, it was clear that Mike LaFleur possesses all the traits necessary to lead this team to success as its head coach." LaFleur himself expressed excitement about the opportunity, saying: "I couldn't be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and am beyond grateful to Michael and Monti for this opportunity."
Timeline: From Rams OC to Cardinals Head Coach
The path to this hiring began years ago but accelerated rapidly in recent weeks:
- January 5, 2026: Cardinals fire head coach Jonathan Gannon after a 3-14 season
- January 8-28, 2026: Cardinals conduct interviews with multiple candidates
- January 29, 2026: Reports emerge that LaFleur has emerged as the frontrunner
- February 1, 2026: Cardinals officially announce LaFleur's hiring with a five-year contract
- February 2, 2026: LaFleur expected to hold introductory press conference
The hiring comes just two weeks after LaFleur's Rams fell one game short of the Super Bowl, losing 31-27 to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. Ironically, the Cardinals got a firsthand look at LaFleur's offensive capabilities twice during the 2025 season when the Rams scored a combined 82 points against them in two decisive victories.
Why LaFleur's Hiring Makes Sense for Arizona
At first glance, hiring a coach from a division rival might seem unusual, but LaFleur's credentials are impressive. As the Rams' offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, he oversaw an offense that led the NFL in total yards (nearly 400 per game) and scoring (over 30 points per game) in 2025. His offensive philosophy, rooted in the Shanahan system that emphasizes outside zone running, play-action passes, and pre-snap motion, has proven successful across the league.
"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 hit the ground running," LaFleur said in his statement after the hiring.
LaFleur's coaching journey includes stops as offensive coordinator for the New York Jets (2021-2022) and various positions under Kyle Shanahan with the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers. His brother, Matt LaFleur, is the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, making them the first pair of brothers to serve as NFL head coaches simultaneously since the Harbaughs (John and Jim) in 2011-2014.
The Kyler Murray Question Looms Large
Perhaps the most pressing issue facing LaFleur is the future of quarterback Kyler Murray. The 28-year-old former No. 1 overall pick has played just five games in each of the past two seasons due to injuries and is in the middle of a $230.5 million, five-year contract that runs through 2028. Murray's relationship with the previous coaching staff was reportedly strained, and his fit in LaFleur's offensive system remains uncertain.
According to ESPN's analysis of the hiring, "It's uncertain whether Mike LaFleur will have Kyler Murray at quarterback next season, so what impact will that have on Arizona's draft class?" The Cardinals hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, potentially putting them in position to select a quarterback if they decide to move on from Murray.
Backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett started the final 12 games of the 2025 season, throwing for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions while winning just one game. Brissett is under contract for next season, giving the Cardinals options as they evaluate the quarterback position.
Where Things Stand Now: The Cardinals' Roster and Draft Capital
Despite their 3-14 record, the Cardinals have several promising pieces on their roster. All-Pro tight end Trey McBride emerged as one of the league's best at his position last season, while receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. showed flashes of his potential despite inconsistent quarterback play. Left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and edge rusher Josh Sweat provide foundation pieces on both lines.
The Cardinals' 14 losses last season were more than the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers combined—a stark reminder of how far they must climb in the NFC West. All three division rivals made it to at least the divisional round of the playoffs, with the Seahawks advancing to the Super Bowl.
With the No. 3 overall pick and additional draft capital, LaFleur and the front office have an opportunity to accelerate the rebuild. The question is whether they'll use that pick on a quarterback, a premium position player, or trade down for additional assets.
What Happens Next: The Road Ahead for LaFleur and the Cardinals
LaFleur's immediate priorities will include assembling his coaching staff, evaluating the current roster, and preparing for the NFL Combine and draft. His experience with the Rams' successful organization provides a blueprint for what he'll try to build in Arizona.
Long-term, the success of this hiring will likely depend on two factors: LaFleur's ability to develop an offensive identity that maximizes the talents of his players, and the organization's decision on the quarterback position. If Murray stays, can LaFleur revive his career? If Murray goes, can the Cardinals identify and develop his replacement quickly?
The Cardinals haven't reached the playoffs since 2021 and haven't won a playoff game since 2015. LaFleur represents the franchise's latest attempt to return to relevance in a division that has become one of the NFL's most competitive.
Key Takeaways from the Mike LaFleur Hiring
- The Arizona Cardinals have hired 38-year-old Mike LaFleur as their new head coach on a five-year contract
- LaFleur comes from the Los Angeles Rams, where he served as offensive coordinator for three seasons and led the NFL's top offense in 2025
- He is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur
- The Cardinals face major decisions about quarterback Kyler Murray's future with the team
- Arizona holds the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, giving them options for their rebuild
- LaFleur inherits some talented pieces but must compete in the tough NFC West division
The Cardinals' hiring of Mike LaFleur represents a bold move to inject offensive innovation and fresh leadership into a struggling franchise. While questions remain about the quarterback situation and the team's ability to compete in a tough division, LaFleur's track record with the Rams suggests the Cardinals may have found the right coach to lead their turnaround.
