The Arizona Cardinals were the last team standing in this offseason's head coach hiring cycle. Arizona fired Jonathan Gannon after the 2025 season and appear to have missed out on Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. But the Cardinals quickly closed in on one of the best remaining candidates who is expected to sign a long-term contract with the team.
The Cardinals are targeting Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as their next head coach, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Arizona is expected to give LaFleur a five-year contract.
LaFleur was one of three finalists for Arizona's head coaching job along with Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.
LaFleur is one of the young, bright minds in the NFL. He is the younger brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. He has worked under both Kevin O'Connell and Sean McVay, both of whom have praised his work. LaFleur has also worked closely with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan.
The Cardinals came close to landing Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who is also a well-regarded young offensive mind. Once reporting linked him to the Raiders' head coaching job on Sunday, the Cardinals sprung into action and chose LaFleur as their guy.
Cardinals fans should be excited about what this hire could mean for their offense.
LaFleur led the NFL's best offensive unit in 2025. Los Angeles ranked first in the league in total yards per game (394.6) and points per game (30.5). It should be noted that Rams head coach Sean McVay was the one calling plays, not LaFleur. But he still has an intimate knowledge of LA's offensive scheme and why it is so successful.
Now he will bring that expertise with him to the desert and attempt to turn around Arizona's struggling franchise.
LaFleur's next step will be assembling his coaching staff, including two important coordinator hires. Once that is done, the next biggest question may be what to do about QB Kyler Murray.
Either way, the future is now much brighter in Arizona now that LaFleur is on board.
