NFL Ranks Cardinals' Mike LaFleur as Worst Coaching Hire

The unknown is what is holding people around the league back.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Arizona Cardinals' new head coach Mike LaFleur, who previously worked under Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay, was ranked as the worst coaching hire of the offseason by NFL coaches and executives in a poll by The Athletic. The concerns seem to be more about the fit within the organization and the resources available rather than LaFleur's coaching abilities.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are looking to turn things around after a 3-14 season, and the perception of LaFleur's hiring as the worst of the offseason raises questions about the team's ability to provide him the resources and support needed to succeed.

The details

In The Athletic's poll, the Cardinals' hiring of LaFleur tied for last place with the Cleveland Browns' hiring of Todd Monken. A team executive told The Athletic that 'this isn't a comment on the coach. It's a comment on the match, the fit within the organization to be able to execute what they're trying to do.' The article notes that both LaFleur and Monken are first-time, offensive-minded NFL head coaches coming from successful teams, but are joining 'two franchises that are perpetually rebuilding', leading to the 'wait-and-see approach' from the panel.

  • The Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach on February 3, 2026.
  • The Athletic's poll ranking the coaching hires was published on February 10, 2026.

The players

Mike LaFleur

The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, who previously worked as an offensive coordinator under Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay.

Todd Monken

The new head coach of the Cleveland Browns, who is also a first-time, offensive-minded NFL head coach.

Kyle Shanahan

The head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, under whom Mike LaFleur previously worked as an offensive coordinator.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, under whom Mike LaFleur previously worked as an offensive coordinator.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't a comment on the coach. It's a comment on the match, the fit within the organization to be able to execute what they're trying to do.”

— A team executive (The Athletic)

“There's just too much unknown with Monken, LaFleur and their respective organizations. Both are first-time, offensive-minded NFL head coaches coming from successful teams, and they're joining two franchises that are perpetually rebuilding.”

— Jeff Howe (The Athletic)

“Everyone's got the same vision. And then you think about this division, it's a tough division. If it were easy, it wouldn't be worth it.”

— Mike LaFleur, Cardinals Head Coach (Arizona Republic)

What’s next

The Cardinals will need to provide LaFleur with the necessary resources and support to succeed, as the perception of his hiring as the worst of the offseason raises concerns about the team's ability to turn things around.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' hiring of Mike LaFleur as their new head coach has been met with skepticism around the league, with concerns about the fit within the organization and the resources available to him rather than his coaching abilities. This highlights the importance of providing new coaches with the right support and environment to succeed, especially in rebuilding franchises.