Cardinals Name Mike LaFleur as Their New Head Coach After Hiring from the Rams

Mike LaFleur Named Head Coach of Arizona Cardinals After Successful Stint with Rams

Mike LaFleur, the former offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, has been appointed the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, marking a significant career advancement for the 38-year-old coach. This transition follows a trend of Rams assistants securing head coaching positions across the NFL.

The announcement was made on Sunday, solidifying LaFleur’s reputation as a sought-after coach after his three seasons with the Rams. He becomes the seventh former assistant under Sean McVay to ascend to an NFL head coaching role. Notable predecessors include Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals, Brandon Staley of the Los Angeles Chargers, and Kevin O’Connell of the Minnesota Vikings.

LaFleur’s coaching lineage continues to stand out; his brother Matt previously served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2017 before heading to the Green Bay Packers. Together, the LaFleur brothers are now part of a unique group of siblings coaching in the NFL, alongside Jim and John Harbaugh.

Having started his coaching career under Kyle Shanahan, LaFleur’s journey includes positions with the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers. Most recently, he led offensive playcalling for the New York Jets in 2021.

As head coach of the Cardinals, LaFleur takes over a team that struggled in the previous season, finishing at the bottom of the NFC West with a 3-14 record. This challenge presents an opportunity to rejuvenate a franchise in need of direction.

Simultaneously, LaFleur’s departure could pave the way for Nate Scheelhaase, the Rams’ current passing game coordinator, to step into the offensive coordinator role. Scheelhaase has previously shown interest in head coaching opportunities.

The Rams are set to continue their search for a new offensive leader following this latest shift within their coaching staff.