GLENDALE – After a long, tedious search process, the Arizona Cardinals have hired their 44th head coach in franchise history in Mike LaFleur. The 38-year-old was the heavy favorite for the job since the firing of former head coach Mike LaFleur. However, the two sides each interviewed different candidates and teams, putting a deal up in the air. Despite the four-week wait, Arizona and LaFleur agreed on a five-year deal and the two sides seemed amped about the signing.
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Aug 16, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; 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 on being hired as Cardinals coach:
“I couldn’t be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and am beyond grateful to Michael (Bidwill) and Monti (Ossenfort) for this opportunity. Having competed against them in the NFC so many times in recent years, I know the type of talent and toughness the team has and cannot wait to get to Arizona to hit the ground running.”
Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort speak to the press from the Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe after the decision to fire head coach Jonathan Gannon on Jan. 5, 2026. Syndication: Arizona Republic
General manager Monti Ossenfort highlighted LaFleur’s NFL coaching career, being in the coaching rooms of highly respected coaches like Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, Robert Saleh and many more. The fourth-year GM believes LaFleur knows what a winning organization looks like and believes in the 38-year-old to be the leader.
At the end of the 2025 season, many believed Ossenfort was going to join Gannon in the unemployment line following a 3-14 regular season. Owner Michael Bidwill decided to not only keep Ossenfort but allow him to lead the coaching hunt. The 47-year-old took the process seriously, taking his time with the decision as his job hanged in the balanced.
LaFleur and the Cardinals front office all released glowing statements about each other. The introductory press conference will go more into depth of the two sides relationship, but for now, a new era is beginning in the Valley.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
