The Arizona Cardinals have hired Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, turning to a rival team’s offensive coordinator to revitalize the struggling franchise. The decision ends nearly a four-week hiring process. LaFleur, 38, was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams for the past three seasons. He replaces Jonathan Gannon, who was fired in January after compiling a 15-36 record over three years, including a 3-14 season last year. LaFleur is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. The Rams had the NFL’s top offense in 2025, averaging nearly 400 total yards and over 30 points per game. Los Angeles fell one game short of the Super Bowl, losing 31-27 to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship. “I couldn’t be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and am beyond grateful to the ownership and management for this opportunity,” LaFleur said. “Having competed against them in the NFC so many times, I know the talent and toughness on this team and cannot wait to get to Arizona.” The Cardinals had a close look at LaFleur’s offense during the season, when the Rams scored a total of 82 points in two dominant wins over Arizona. LaFleur also served as offensive coordinator for the New York Jets in 2021 and 2022 and previously worked under 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan in Cleveland, Atlanta, and San Francisco. LaFleur inherits promising pieces on Arizona’s roster, including All-Pro tight end Trey McBride, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., and veteran edge rusher Josh Sweat. The team also holds the No. 3 overall pick in April’s draft. “In his career, Mike has been around some of the best coaches in football and has contributed to highly successful teams,” said general manager Monti Ossenfort. “He understands what winning football looks like and what it takes to achieve it.” Quarterback Kyler Murray remains the biggest question mark. The 28-year-old has played seven seasons with the Cardinals since being the No. 1 overall pick in 2019 but has reached the playoffs only once, losing in the wildcard round to the Rams in 2021. Murray played just five games last season due to a foot injury, throwing for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. He is in the middle of a $230.5 million, five-year contract that runs through 2028. Backup Jacoby Brissett started the final 12 games, throwing for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions but winning only once. Brissett is under contract for next season. LaFleur faces the challenge of rebuilding in the NFC West, which was the league’s strongest division last season. Arizona’s 14 losses exceeded the combined losses of the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers. All three of those teams reached the playoffs, with the Seahawks advancing to the Super Bowl on February 8.