The Arizona Cardinals have officially named Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, as announced by the team on Sunday. LaFleur, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, has signed a five-year contract with the franchise.
In a statement, Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill expressed enthusiasm about the decision, stating, “We had the opportunity to speak with an outstanding group of candidates during this very thorough process and gathered tremendous insight from each of them. 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. He is highly intelligent with an exceptionally sharp, creative football mind. Mike is also a dynamic and innovative leader and exactly the type of person we were looking for to guide our team as its head coach.”
LaFleur, 38, brings a wealth of experience to Arizona after spending three seasons with the Rams, a division rival in the NFC West. Prior to that, he held the offensive coordinator position for the New York Jets from 2021 to 2022. “I couldn”t be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and am beyond grateful to (owner) Michael (Bidwill) and (GM) Monti (Ossenfort) for this opportunity,” LaFleur remarked. “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 get to Arizona to hit the ground running.”
Before his time with the Rams and Jets, LaFleur was part of the San Francisco 49ers” coaching staff under head coach Kyle Shanahan, where he served as the passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach. His coaching journey also includes a stint with the Atlanta Falcons, where he worked with Shanahan as an offensive assistant from 2015 to 2016, and an earlier role as a coaching intern with the Cleveland Browns in 2014, marking his entry into the NFL coaching landscape. Interestingly, LaFleur”s older brother, Matt, is the head coach for the Green Bay Packers, adding a notable connection within the league.
LaFleur”s hiring marks a new chapter for the Cardinals as they aim to revitalize their franchise and build on their competitive spirit in the league.
