The Arizona Cardinals became one of the final teams to fill their head coaching vacancy. After a lengthy process that spanned more than three weeks, the Cardinals selected former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. Despite his young age, LaFleur has already worked 12 years in the NFL, including coordinator roles with the Jets and most recently the Los Angeles Rams. This will be LaFleur’s first head coaching opportunity, and it comes with the daunting challenge of leading a team in what is widely considered the toughest division in football.
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The NFC West is not only dominant right now, but it appears poised to remain that way for years to come. Seattle boasts an extremely young roster and has hit on multiple draft picks over the last three years, building a dominant defense alongside explosive offensive weapons. San Francisco suffered significant injuries last season and still managed to advance to the divisional round while relying heavily on reserves. Los Angeles has been consistently competitive over the past five years and is expected to remain prepared even after the inevitable retirement of Matthew Stafford.
Meanwhile, former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon went just 3–15 against NFC West opponents during his three-year tenure. That abysmal record highlighted Arizona’s inferiority within the division and ultimately led owner Michael Bidwill to pursue a new direction by hiring Mike LaFleur. LaFleur held his introductory press conference on Monday and immediately generated overwhelmingly positive reactions across the fanbase. He expressed a clear determination to turn the franchise around while building a strong culture in Arizona.
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LaFleur also highlighted his previous experiences at State Farm Stadium, not only while facing the Cardinals, but also during a moment of tragedy. In 2025, wildfires ravaged Southern California, leaving much of Los Angeles uninhabitable, including SoFi Stadium. Upon hearing the news, Bidwill opened the Cardinals’ facilities to the Rams, allowing them to support operations and host a “home” playoff game. That gesture left a lasting impression on LaFleur, who called Arizona’s generosity unlike anything he had experienced in any other organization.
His connection to the franchise was evident as he told the media, “I told Lauren (his wife) at the time about a year ago, ‘I’m going to be the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals someday.’ It just felt right.” The energy LaFleur brought was a breath of fresh air for the fanbase, with his infectious enthusiasm resonating throughout the room. Both management and players showed full support, as more than two dozen players attended the press conference to express their excitement and begin forming a foundation with their new leader.
LaFleur also faced difficult questions, including the situation surrounding Kyler Murray, Arizona’s commitment to winning, roster holes, and the coaching staff he would assemble. As expected, many of his responses were measured and professional, but the confidence and energy he displayed helped spark renewed hope throughout the organization. The first major step of his process came with the hiring of Nathaniel Hackett as offensive coordinator.
Hackett brings two decades of NFL experience. The move has been criticized though due to his failed tenure as head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2022 and his struggles as the Jets offensive coordinator in 2023. He led a defensive analyst role with the Packers last season. However, Cardinals fans may find reassurance in LaFleur’s commitment to calling plays himself, positioning Hackett to focus on refining and addressing minor offensive issues. Ultimately, the fanbase will have to place its trust in Mike LaFleur and his vision.
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A new hire was critical for an organization in need of a rebuild after Jonathan Gannon led the franchise to a 3–14 record. It has been five years since Arizona last reached the postseason, and the franchise’s history has been bleak at times, totaling just five division titles and one Super Bowl appearance. What the Cardinals truly need is a spark, and Mike LaFleur is confident he can be the catalyst to usher Arizona into a new era.
