GLENDALE – The first domino of the Arizona Cardinals offseason begin with former Los Angeles OC Mike LaFleur named next head coach. The 38-year-old will get his first ever head coaching opportunity in the same division as two mentors in Sean McVay and Kyler Shanahan. The NFC West is one of the toughest division in football and will need all the talent possible to win. In that case, would keeping quarterback Kyler Murray on the roster be the best possible outcome?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Reports have emerged of Arizona’s interest in trading the 28-year-old this offseason, but hiring and offensive guru like LaFleur could derail those ideas.
Oct 27, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) throws the football against the Miami Dolphins during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Can LaFleur revive Murray’s career?
The past four season has been filled with turmoil for Murray. He tore his ACL in 2022, rehabbed and returned in Week 10 the following year. The former first overall pick looked to be fully back, playing all the games in 2024, but a foot injury this past season limited him to five games. In his first three seasons, Murray played in 96% of games and was a two-time Pro Bowler averaging 3826.7 passing yards and 26 touchdowns.
Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury hugs Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) after a Cardinals loss during a game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sept. 29, 2024. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Healthy wasn’t the only reason for the stellar production, as the head coach during that span was Kliff Kingsbury. Murray under an offensive-minded coach like Kingsbury seemed to unlock a different side of him compared to modern day.
Recent injuries question if that same player is still inside Murray physically. However, a McVay disciple would be Murray’s best shot of recapturing that magic. If LaFleur can get half the production from the seven-year Cardinals quarterback as he has Stafford, Arizona is in a stellar spot for the future.
Aug 2, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) and Jacoby Brissett (7) during the Red and White practice in training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Going with Jacoby Brissett as a starter heading into 2026 tells the Fans and the NFL that this is a buffer year. Brissett was put in a tough situation and played well. Regardless, the 33-year-old was 1-11 as a starter, and for a franchise that claims it’s striving for a playoff push, that is unacceptable. Going with Murray gives the fans hope and the team a serious chance to make some noise.
Will new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur be the team’s play caller in 2026?
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
