GLENDALE – Nothing better than a sibling rivalry at the highest level. Ahead of Wednesday’s joint practice and Friday’s preseason game between the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers, head coach Mike and Matt LaFleur had some fighting words. Older brother Matt set things in motion on Monday by talking about players fighting for a roster spot, which could lead some issues in the joint practice.
Matt’s solution was, if an issue arrives, for his players to tag him in and to have the Cardinals tag in their head coach to “throw down” at the 50-yard line. Two minutes before his own press conference, Mike heard his brother’s comments and gave his response to the media on Monday.
Feb 3, 2026; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur with his wife and their children, parents and brother Matt LaFleur and wife and son pose for photos at the introductory press conference at the Cardinals training facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mike LaFleur responds to brother’s playful threat:
Mike initially had no comment for his brother’s request, but he did leave the door open by adding on, “We’ll see what happens.” When the news was announced of this joint practice months ago, the first-year head coach discussed about the excitement of playing against his sibling but confirming its all busy by stating, “I love ya, but I’m going to kick your ass.”
The brothers have always shared a close relationship when it came to football, as the two’s football journey often intersected. The most famous example is in the 2015 to 2016 season, when both were coaches for the Atlanta Falcons. Matt was the QB coach, while Matt was an offensive assistant.
Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur watches from the sidelines against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Three years after their time in Atlanta, Matt was named the Packers head coach, while the younger brother was still earning his keep in the NFL sphere. It wouldn’t be until eight years after Matt’s hiring that Mike got the Cardinals job. They become the fourth set of brothers to coach in the NFL, and now look to become the first set of brothers to have a fight in the middle of a football field. The playful banter will be one of the many things to loo forward ahead of the two’s matchup in the final week of preseason football.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
