Cardinals Hire Rams Offensive Coordinator Mike LaFleur
The Cardinals signed Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to a five-year deal on Jan. 28, 2026.
Overview
The Arizona Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur as head coach on Jan. 28, 2026, signing the Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator to a five-year contract, the team announced.
LaFleur, 38, replaces Jonathan Gannon, who was fired on Jan. 5 after a 15-36 record and a 3-14 2025 season, and he served three seasons as Rams offensive coordinator, NFL statistics show.
Mike LaFleur said in a statement he is "beyond grateful" to owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort, and Bidwill praised LaFleur's leadership, the Cardinals said.
Arizona finished 3-14 in 2025, had a minus-133 point differential and placed 25 players on injured reserve, records show, while Kyler Murray is under a $230.5 million, five-year contract.
Arizona holds the No. 3 overall pick in the April 2026 draft and must make staff hires and quarterback decisions before the league year begins in March, general manager Monti Ossenfort said.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this hiring largely neutrally, emphasizing factual details, stats and direct quotes rather than evaluative language. They cite LaFleur’s resume and Rams’ offensive rankings, note the quiet interview process, list roster strengths and Kyler Murray’s contract/uncertainty, and let officials’ statements and numbers drive the narrative.
FAQ
Mike LaFleur, 38 years old, is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. He has coached with the Cleveland Browns (2014), Atlanta Falcons (2015-16), San Francisco 49ers (2017-20), New York Jets (2021-22 as OC), and Los Angeles Rams (2023-25 as OC), where the Rams ranked first in total offense this year.[3]
Jonathan Gannon was fired on Jan. 5, 2026, after compiling a 15-36 record over three seasons, including a 3-14 finish in 2025 with a minus-133 point differential and 25 players on injured reserve.[1]
Mike LaFleur signed a five-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals on Jan. 28, 2026.[1]
The Cardinals hold the No. 3 overall pick in the April 2026 NFL Draft. Quarterback Kyler Murray is under a $230.5 million, five-year contract, and the team needs staff hires and quarterback decisions before March.[1]
NFL insider Albert Breer reports the Cardinals have an edge to hire Gus Bradley, a veteran defensive coach with experience including the Seahawks' Legion of Boom, Jaguars head coach (2013-16), and recent roles with Chargers, Raiders, Colts, and 49ers.[1]
