GLENDALE – A new era of the Arizona Cardinals has begun on Tuesday during the introductory press conference of new head coach Mike LaFleur. After an emotional 10-minute opening statement, the 38-year-old head coach detailed how he envisioned the future of his team. The passion was palpable for those in attendance, including many players on the roster to show support to their new head coach.
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Arizona Cardinals new head coach Mike LaFleur at a news conference on Feb. 3, 2026, at Arizona Cardinals training center in Tempe.
List of Cardinals players to attend press conference:
- Sean Murphy-Bunting
- Walter Nolen III
- Mack Wilson Sr.
- Joey Blount
- Blake Gillikin
- Bilal Nichols
- Will Johnson
- Michael Wilson
- Hayden Conner
- Kedon Slovis
- Emari Demercado
- Rabbit Taylor-Demerson
- Cody Simon
- Elijah Jones
- Jon Gaines II
- Josh Fryar
- Starling Thomas V
- Paris Johnson Jr.
Feb 3, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur poses for photos at the introductory press conference at the Cardinals training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Four rookies attended the press conference, Johnson, Nolen, Conner and Simon, showing support to their head coach, who is expected to be with them for a long time. The other notable names are former sixth overall pick in 2023 in Paris Johnson Jr., who is already on his second head coach in his young career.
Wilson was one of the few skill players to show up. Under the play calling of LaFleur, Wilson could look to build on his first 1000-yard season last year and become an Pro-Bowl caliber wide receiver. It’s unclear who will be the quarterback for him to achieve that goal, as the absence of quarterback Kyler Murray, while expected, doesn’t bode well on whether he’ll remain in the Valley for the 2026 season.
The only quarterback in the room on Tuesday was Kedon Slovis, who was the backup for Jacoby Brissett in the second half of the season. The 18 players that attended are seemingly ready to jump into this new phase of Cardinals football, that is hoping to make first postseason appearance since 2021.
Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur ready to be 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
