The Arizona Cardinals are set to hire Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to be the franchise’s next head coach, according to multiple reports. Mike LaFleur (38) is the younger brother of current Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur (46).
Under Mike LaFleur’s guidance in 2025, the Rams’ offense finished first in points per game (30.5), yards per game (394.6), and offensive touchdowns (63). Quarterback Matthew Stafford led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and threw a career-high 46 passing touchdowns. Wide receiver Puka Nacua ranked 2nd in the NFL with 1,715 receiving yards. Both Nacua (10) and Davante Adams (14) finished top five in receiving touchdowns. Kyren Williams produced 1,252 rushing yards (6th) and ten rushing touchdowns (Tied-9th). The Rams’ offensive line was one of the very best units in the NFL, allowing a league low 23 sacks in the regular season.
LaFleur Makes Strong Impression in Arizona
Sean McVay has been the play-caller with the Rams since he arrived in Los Angeles nine seasons ago. However, prior to a Week 14 road matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, McVay was dealing with an illness. With McVay under the weather and unsure if he would even be able to travel to the game, Mike LaFleur was given an opportunity to call plays for the Rams.
LaFleur absolutely flourished in this role as the Rams dominated the Cardinals 45-17. Los Angeles produced 530 total yards of offense and scored points on seven of their first nine possessions. “I think it was a great collaboration on the offensive side of the ball,” Matthew Stafford said postgame. “He (McVay) wasn’t feeling well the last couple days and just proud the way we all kind of came together and attacked this week. I thought Mike (LaFleur) did a hell of a job. Really, everybody that was involved did a hell of a job.”
After the game, Sean McVay gave Mike LaFleur a game ball, stating he and the rest of the Rams’ offensive staff “did a hell of a job today.”
Cardinals Want to Win Now
After firing coach Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill made one thing clear—he wants to win as soon as possible. “Those teams with new coaches from a year or two ago are now in the playoffs, playing this weekend. I know we can turn it around,” Bidwill said on January 5th. “I’m looking forward to getting going with this search. It’s going to be a great opportunity for us to be that next story where we flip it around.”
If you want a quick turnaround, look no further than the McVay coaching tree—specifically his past offensive coordinators. During his time as head coach, Sean McVay has had four OCs — Matt LaFleur, Kevin O’Connell, Liam Coen, and Mike LaFleur.
In their first year as head coaches, Matt LaFleur, Kevin O’Connell, and Liam Coen each won 13 games, and all three won division titles.
Overall, these three coaches have produced a combined record of 132-69-1 as head coaches.
(H/T Arizona Republic, Theo Mackie).
Is Mike LaFleur the next offensive mind to find success as a head coach?
Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill and General Manager Monti Ossenfort believe so.
Mike LaFleur’s Coaching Resume
- 2023-2025 – Los Angeles Rams, Offensive Coordinator
- 2021-2022 – New York Jets, Offensive Coordinator
- 2017-2020 – San Francisco 49ers
- 2019-20: Passing game coordinator
- 2018: Passing game coordinator/wide receivers coach
- 2017: Passing game specialist/wide receivers coach
- 2015-2016 – Atlanta Falcons
- 2016: Offensive assistant/wide receivers
- 2015: Offensive assistant/tight ends
- 2014 – Cleveland Browns, Offensive intern (offensive line)
- 2013 – Davidson College, Offensive Coordinator/quarterbacks/receivers
- 2010-12 – Saint Joseph’s College
- 2011-12: Offensive Coordinator
- 2010: Passing Game Coordinator/quarterbacks
- 2009 – Elmhurst College, Offensive assistant (quarterbacks)
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