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Head Coach · ARI

Mike LaFleur

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).

2026 Outlook

LaFleur brings a proven West Coast scheme from his years under Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, including time as Rams offensive coordinator (2023–2025). His system features heavy play-action and screens designed to maximize skill-position versatility. At LA, he contributed to breakouts from Puka Nacua, Kyren Williams, and Matthew Stafford, giving confidence in his ability to get the most out of Arizona's weapons. (per Jeremiyah Love Will Be a Top Five Running Back in 2026) Love's three-down versatility (elite receiving ability, speed, agility) fits naturally into LaFleur's scheme, with diverse pass concepts and play-action built to exploit his skills.

LaFleur focused on maximizing QB development without forcing early decisions. Brissett's ongoing contract holdout gives Minshew and Beck real opportunity to earn snaps in training camp and preseason. LaFleur stated as of late June that he "hasn't even thought about the quarterback competition," viewing it as premature before full training camp. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett taking lead on QB development with methodical approach emphasizing footwork and timing. With elite weapons (Marvin Harrison Jr., Trey McBride, Jeremiyah Love) already in place, LaFleur's main focus is system installation and QB development. First season under new regime with elevated expectations after 3-14 record under prior staff. (per Cardinals rookie Carson Beck addresses QB competition for 2026)

LaFleur is using the Hall of Fame Game (August 6 vs Panthers) as a key evaluation tool, starting rookie Carson Beck to assess his live-action readiness and decision-making. This signals LaFleur's willingness to give Beck extended opportunities beyond typical backup roles, positioning the rookie as a genuine contender for snaps as the season progresses. LaFleur noted his historical preference for "backing rookie head coaches in their first preseason home game," suggesting he's familiar with momentum and urgency in early competitive settings. (per Use DraftKings promo code to get $150 bonus bets by targeting Panthers-Cardinals, 2026 NFL Hall of Fame Game)

Recent News

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

What the Experts Are Saying

The Fantasy HeadlinersDO NOT DRAFT These OVERPRICED Studs in 2026 Fantasy Football
Matt HarmonPuka Nacua Is The Embodiment Of The Modern WR1 | Reception Perception The Show
Late-Round Fantasy FootballBecoming a Best Ball Bro Season 3: ADP Risers & Fallers and Recent NFL Camp News with Sam Sherman