Cardinals Coaching Search Hits Pivotal Crossroads as LaFleur Leaves Without Deal
GLENDALE - Four weeks into the offseason, and the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching search is starting to feel more like a riddle than a roadmap.
Mike LaFleur, the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator, looked like the clear frontrunner to take over in Arizona. He met with general manager Monti Ossenfort and, presumably, team owner Michael Bidwill earlier this week in what many thought would be the final step before a deal. But after two days of meetings, LaFleur left the state without a contract - and now the Cardinals are pivoting.
The next name on the list? Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
Arizona has scheduled an interview with the 38-year-old this weekend, but here’s the wrinkle: Kubiak has been consistently linked to the Las Vegas Raiders job since the moment it opened. And with Denver Broncos passing game coordinator Davis Webb reportedly pulling out of the Raiders’ search - likely because he sees Kubiak as the inevitable hire - the writing may already be on the wall.
So what are the Cardinals doing?
That’s the question echoing across league circles. While Arizona still has one of only two head coaching vacancies left, giving them a bit of breathing room, the optics of this search are starting to get murky.
If Kubiak is truly Raiders-bound, then Arizona’s pursuit feels more like a formality than a legitimate shot. And if LaFleur was the top candidate - with a pedigree built under Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, and Kyle Shanahan - why let him leave without a deal?
The hesitation is puzzling. LaFleur has been vocal about his ambition to become a head coach, and his offensive background fits the modern mold.
The Rams’ system, rooted in motion, timing, and quarterback-friendly design, is one of the most respected in the league. Bringing that kind of offensive identity to Arizona could be a game-changer, especially with a young roster in need of direction.
Yet something is holding the Cardinals back. Whether it’s a disconnect between Bidwill and Ossenfort, or concerns that haven’t been made public, the delay in pulling the trigger on LaFleur is a calculated risk. And it’s one that could backfire.
Here’s the danger: if the Cardinals circle back to LaFleur after being turned down by Kubiak, they risk starting the relationship on shaky ground. No one wants to feel like the second choice - especially not a coach stepping into a rebuild. And if both LaFleur and Kubiak end up staying with their current teams, Arizona could be left scrambling for Plan C.
This is a pivotal moment for the franchise. With fan engagement already slipping - Arizona ranked near the bottom in home attendance in 2025 - the next head coach needs to energize the building and the fanbase. The longer the search drags on, the more it feels like the Cardinals are losing control of the process.
It’s not too late to land the right coach. But the clock is ticking, and the margin for error is shrinking. Arizona needs to get this right - not just for the sake of optics, but for the future of the franchise.