GLENDALE – The heavy favorite for the Arizona Cardinals head coaching job seems to be Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. His ties to the franchise makes him an easy choice to understand why he will be the guy. Despite those reports and betting odds, there is still plenty of candidates vying for the opportunity.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Ari Meirov, who covers the NFL for the 33rd team, talked with PHNX Cardinals about other names in the running for the Cardinals job. Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur was a name that Meirov spoke about extensive about the desire to be a head coach in the NFL.
Jun 3, 2025; Woodland Hills, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur at press conference during organized team activities at Rams Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Meirov on LaFleur’s desire to be head coach:
“I have a hard time seeing Mike LaFleur not taking a job. He does a lot of work in L.A., a lot of work. He doesn’t call the plays, that’s Sean [McVay’s] job. He’s very, very important there. He learnt a lot from that experience with the [New York] Jets. Which was a difficult situation. He goes back to his buddy in Sean McVay, and it’s a whole new life for him…If you get him now, it might be bumpy at the beginning but eventually these guys will figure it out.”
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
When the Arizona job first opened, BetOnline had LaFleur as the early favorite for the job. Since then, the lines have change, but his connection with the franchise remains strong. LaFleur is in a similar boat as Joseph, as both of their teams will be competing in a conference championship game on Sunday. One would wonder, if Denver loses on Sunday and Los Angles wins or vice versa, it opens the door for either candidate to get the Cardinals job.
Meirov explained LaFleur’s desire to be a head coach, and with five of the 10 NFL jobs close, his opportunity is running out. The 38-year-old will have to worry about his fellow Rams coaches from taking other opportunities. DC Chris Shula is a strong candidate for the Pittsburgh Steelers job, while Los Angeles’ passing-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase is the top choice for the Cleveland Browns.
Aug 14, 2025; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur reacts during a joint practice at the Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Cardinals could swoop in and hire LaFleur to continue expanding McVay’s impressive coaching tree. Liam Coen, Zac Taylor and Kevin O’Connell are just three former coordinators of McVay to become successful head coaches in the NFL. In a tough NFC West, Arizona could try to replicate the magic that Los Angeles has done to revive the franchise.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
