Arizona Cardinals Hire Mike LaFleur as New Head Coach

Former Rams OC takes over struggling NFC West franchise

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The Arizona Cardinals have hired Mike LaFleur, the former offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, as their new head coach. LaFleur was introduced at a press conference on February 3, 2026 at the Cardinals' training facility in Tempe, Arizona.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are hoping LaFleur can help turn around a team that has struggled in recent seasons, missing the playoffs for the past three years. As the Rams' OC, LaFleur oversaw an offense that was among the league's most productive, so the Cardinals are banking on him bringing that same level of success to their organization.

The details

LaFleur, 39, spent the past four seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. Prior to that, he held various assistant coaching roles with the San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons. The Cardinals are looking to LaFleur to help develop their young quarterback and revamp an offense that has lacked consistency.

  • The press conference introducing LaFleur as the new Cardinals head coach took place on February 3, 2026.
  • LaFleur spent the previous four seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

The players

Mike LaFleur

The 39-year-old is the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, taking over a team that has struggled in recent seasons. He previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

Michael Bidwill

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

Monti Ossenfort

The general manager of the Arizona Cardinals, who was also present at the press conference introducing LaFleur.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to have Mike join our organization as the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals. His offensive expertise and track record of success make him the perfect fit to lead this team.”

— Michael Bidwill, President, Arizona Cardinals (azcentral.com)

What’s next

LaFleur will now begin the process of assembling his coaching staff and evaluating the Cardinals' roster as he looks to turn the team around in the 2026 season.

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 the former Rams offensive coordinator to provide the spark needed to return to the playoffs.