The Arizona Cardinals have hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, completing the NFL's coaching carousel. LaFleur, the Los Angeles Rams' offensive coordinator, signed a five-year deal with the Cardinals, marking the final head coaching vacancy filled in the league.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The Cardinals announced LaFleur's hiring on Sunday, following the Seattle Seahawks' Klint Kubiak's reported move to the Las Vegas Raiders. LaFleur, 38, brings over a decade of NFL experience and is the latest coach from the Sean McVay coaching tree to secure a head coaching role.
Deeper Dive & Context
Background and Career Path
LaFleur has served as the Rams' offensive coordinator since 2023. Prior roles include offensive coordinator for the New York Jets, passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach for the San Francisco 49ers, and offensive assistant with the Atlanta Falcons. His career began in college football at various levels before joining the NFL as an intern with the Cleveland Browns.
McVay Coaching Tree Influence
LaFleur is the fourth coach from McVay's tree to become an NFL head coach, joining Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings), Liam Coen (Jacksonville Jaguars), and Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers). His brother, Matt, is also a head coach, adding to the family's NFL presence.
Cardinals' Perspective
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill praised LaFleur's intelligence and leadership, stating he possesses the traits necessary to lead the team to success. General manager Monti Ossenfort highlighted LaFleur's experience working with top coaches in the league.
Rams' Next Steps
With LaFleur's departure, the Rams are expected to promote passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase to replace him. Scheelhaase interviewed for several head coaching vacancies this offseason and remains a sought-after young coach.
Other NFL Coaching Hires
The Cardinals' hire concludes the NFL's coaching carousel, with other teams filling vacancies as follows:
- New York Giants: John Harbaugh
- Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski
- Cleveland Browns: Todd Monken
- Buffalo Bills: Joe Brady
- Baltimore Ravens: Jesse Minter
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike McCarthy
- Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley
- Tennessee Titans: Robert Saleh