Cardinals' Trey McBride Excited for Offense Under Mike LaFleur

Star tight end praises new head coach's high-powered schemes and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett's credentials

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Arizona Cardinals star tight end Trey McBride is enthusiastic about the team's new coaching staff, especially head coach Mike LaFleur and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. McBride highlighted LaFleur's successful offenses with the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers, as well as Hackett's pedigree, and believes the Cardinals' offense will be "fun to watch" in 2026.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2025 season, and the hiring of LaFleur and Hackett is seen as a key part of that effort. McBride's optimism about the new offensive scheme and coaching staff suggests the team could be poised for a resurgence, especially with the return of key offensive weapons like wide receiver Michael Wilson.

The details

McBride praised LaFleur as a "wonderful guy" with "high energy" who will "bring a lot to the table." He noted LaFleur's success as offensive coordinator for the Rams, where the team ranked first in points and yards in 2025. LaFleur also had success as passing game coordinator for the 49ers in 2019. Meanwhile, McBride is also excited about new offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, whose father Paul Hackett was the OC for quarterback Rich Gannon's Chiefs teams.

  • In 2023-2025, LaFleur was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
  • In 2019, LaFleur was the passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

The players

Trey McBride

Arizona Cardinals star tight end who made the First-Team All-Pro in 2025 after catching 126 passes for 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Mike LaFleur

The new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, previously the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams and passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers.

Nathaniel Hackett

The new offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, previously the head coach of the Denver Broncos.

Rich Gannon

A two-time First-Team All-Pro quarterback who is excited about the Cardinals' new offensive coaching staff.

Paul Hackett

Nathaniel Hackett's father, who was the offensive coordinator for Rich Gannon's Kansas City Chiefs teams.

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What they’re saying

“Wonderful guy, high energy. He's going to bring a lot to the table. Obviously, he's had a very successful offense in the division before, and I'm excited to see what he brings to the table. He's awesome.”

— Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals tight end (SiriusXM NFL Radio)

“I think the Cardinals' offense is going to be pretty fun to watch in 2026.”

— Rich Gannon (SiriusXM NFL Radio)

The takeaway

The Cardinals are banking on their new offensive coaching staff, led by Mike LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett, to revitalize their passing attack and get the most out of their talented skill position players like Trey McBride and Michael Wilson. If the coaches can replicate their past success, the Cardinals could be poised for a bounce-back season and a return to the playoffs.