Arizona Cardinals hire Mike LaFleur as new head coach

LaFleur led the NFL's best offense as offensive coordinator for a division rival

Feb. 1, 2026 at 9:55pm

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The Arizona Cardinals have hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, turning to the offensive coordinator of a division rival to try to revive the struggling franchise. LaFleur is coming off a successful stint as the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, where he led the NFL's best offense.

Why it matters

The Cardinals have struggled in recent years, finishing last in the NFC West division. Hiring an offensive-minded coach like LaFleur, who has a track record of success, could help turn the team around and make them competitive again in the tough NFC West.

The details

LaFleur, 34, has been the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers for the past three seasons, where he helped lead one of the NFL's most potent offenses. Prior to that, he spent time as an assistant coach with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets. The Cardinals are hoping LaFleur can bring that same offensive firepower to their struggling franchise.

  • On Sunday, February 2, 2026, the Arizona Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach.

The players

Mike LaFleur

The 34-year-old former offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, who is now the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

Michael Bidwill

The owner of the Arizona Cardinals, who hired LaFleur as the team's new head coach.

Monti Ossenfort

The general manager of the Arizona Cardinals, who worked with Bidwill to hire LaFleur as the team's new head coach.

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What they’re saying

“I couldn't be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and am beyond grateful to (owner) Michael (Bidwill) and (general manager) Monti (Ossenfort) for this opportunity.”

— Mike LaFleur

The takeaway

The hiring of Mike LaFleur as the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals represents a fresh start for the struggling franchise, as they look to capitalize on LaFleur's success as an offensive coordinator and turn the team into a contender in the NFC West.