Mike LaFleur

Arizona Cardinals Head Coach.

Quick Facts

Role: Head Coach
Team: Arizona Cardinals (ARI)
Current holder: Mike LaFleur (younger brother of Packers HC Matt LaFleur). Hired 2026 offseason after Jonathan Gannon was fired following a 3-14 season.
Coaching tree: McVay-Shanahan — see Coaching Trees

Background

Started his NFL career as a Browns intern in 2014 working alongside Kyle Shanahan. Spent time on McVay's and Shanahan's staffs since. Most recently three years as offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams (where Nate Scheelhaase replaced him as OC for the 2026 season).

Scheme and Tendencies

Direct McVay-Shanahan tree disciple. Hired Nathaniel Hackett as OC (former Broncos HC and Packers assistant). Drafted RB Jeremiyah Love at 1.01 of the rookie class — instant centerpiece. QB room remains a question (Kyler Murray, plus rookie Carson Beck).

Recent News

2026-02-16 — What if Rams don’t hire an offensive coordinator? (What if Rams don’t hire an offensive coordinator?)
2026-05-20 — Will 2026 be the year the Rams manage a top 5 offense and defense? (Will 2026 be the year the Rams manage a top 5 offense and defense?)
2026-05-28 — SI's 2026 Ranking of the NFL’s Coach-QB Duos (SI's 2026 Ranking of the NFL’s Coach-QB Duos)
2026-02-20 — Rams Finally Make a Decision, Naming Their Offensive Coordinator For 2026 (Rams Finally Make a Decision, Naming Their Offensive Coordinator For 2026)
2026-02-17 — McVay Assistant Makes Late Push For Rams Offensive Coordinator Opening (McVay Assistant Makes Late Push For Rams Offensive Coordinator Opening)
2026-05-15 — Los Angeles Rams 2026 schedule: Game-by-game breakdown and predictions (Los Angeles Rams 2026 schedule: Game-by-game breakdown and predictions)
2026-05-14 — Los Angeles Rams 2026 schedule: Tough opening stretch highlights primetime-heavy slate... (Los Angeles Rams 2026 schedule: Tough opening stretch highlights primetime-heavy slate...)
2026-02-23 — Rams promote Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator (Rams promote Nate Scheelhaase to offensive coordinator)
2026-05-17 — 2026 NFL Schedule Release: 5 Storylines To Watch In Rams-Seahawks Christmas Game On FOX (2026 NFL Schedule Release: 5 Storylines To Watch In Rams-Seahawks Christmas Game On FOX)
2026-02-18 — Arizona Cardinals' new coaches are well familiar with each other. (Arizona Cardinals' new coaches are well familiar with each other.)

Sources

Worst draft ever The Athletic 2026 fantasy football dynasty mock draft
NFL 2026 head coach cycle leaned offense (10 hires, NYT)
Fantasy Alarm 2026 NFL head coach and coordinator tracker