GLENDALE – With the Arizona Cardinals searching for its next head coach within the NFC West. The firing of head coach Jonathan Gannon was an easy decision by the franchise, after a 3-14 2025 season. However, the hard part is just beginning on trying to figure out who will be the 44th head coach in team history. Sportsbooks have already released their favorites for the job, with BetOnline having Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as the favorite.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Aug 9, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams assistant coach Mike LaFleur and head coach Sean McVay congratulate wide receiver Brennan Presley (81) after a touchdown during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
NFC West coach favorite for Cardinals job:
Before joining the Rams in the NFC West, LaFleur was the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets for two seasons. He was brought in by then head coach Robert Saleh and had poor results, with a 11-23 overall record and the offense being ranked 28th and 29th in scoring respectively. Despite those numbers, Los Angeles’ head coach Sean McVay brought him to be the franchise’s next offensive coordinator.
Aug 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; NFC West Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
LaFleur had a tough act to follow in current Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen holding the role previously, who also inherited the job from current head coach in Minnesota Vikings’ Kevin O’Connell. The 39-year-old took an offense that was 27th before his arrival and turned it into a top 10 unit the following season.
Health played a part in the team’s offensive improvements, but regardless LaFleur had made an impact. LaFleur bounced back from a dip in 2024 to comeback this year and be the offensive coordinator for the best offense in the NFL currently. Weapons like MVP frontrunner Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Puka Nacua helps, but LaFleur has proven he can coach a league-best unit.
Sep 28, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams cornerback Cobie Durant (14) and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as they get ready for the game against the Indianapolis Colts at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Arizona was the 23rd ranked offense this season and failed to score 30 points in any game. The franchise could look to poach their NFC West rival’s offensive coordinator to help rejuvenate an injured Kyler Murray or be trusted to install a new system to a QB drafted in 2026.
Why the Cardinals’ next head coach will define Monti Ossenfort’s tenure
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
