GLENDALE – After the hiring of new head coach Mike LaFleur, the focus for the Arizona Cardinals shift towards the status of quarterback Kyler Murray. The two-time Pro Bowler faced plenty of turmoil in his seventh season with the franchise. Injuries sidelined him for many weeks, before the team elected to keep Jacoby Brissett as the starter following Week 9.
The team went winless following that decision, but reports still remain strong that Arizona will move on from Murray. However, LaFleur confirmed during Tuesday’s introductory press conference that he has been in contact with Murray.
Feb 3, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur speaks to the media at the introductory press conference at the Cardinals training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
LaFleur’s relationship with Murray:
“I touched base with Kyler, two days ago when I got this [job], and had a good little message with him. Being in this division for seven years, it was never fun. I have a lot of respect for him as a player…he was never a fun challenge to go against.”
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray watches his team from the sidelines as they play the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Nov. 16, 2025.Images
LaFleur gave the 28-year-old quarterback massive respect, facing off against him many times while as a coach in the NFC West. In his five seasons as a coach vs. Murray, LaFleur is 8-2 in those games. Regardless, Murray is still a very athletically gifted quarterback in this league and a tough cover for any coach.
Despite being in contact with Murray, LaFleur didn’t devolve any deeper on who will be the starting quarterback for the 2026 season. The season is still months out, and with the 2026 draft only two months away, plenty can change in that department.
Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort reveals moment that led to hiring Mike LaFleur
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
