Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur is officially on the head coaching radar, with interviews lined up this week that could mark the next step in his NFL ascent.
According to reports, both the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders are set to meet with LaFleur on Friday in virtual interviews. That’s two teams with very different rosters and timelines, but both are clearly intrigued by what LaFleur brings to the table.
And there’s good reason for that. LaFleur is in his third season with the Rams, where he’s helped shape an offense that’s evolved under Sean McVay’s leadership.
Before landing in Los Angeles, LaFleur spent two years calling plays for the Jets and was part of Kyle Shanahan’s staff in San Francisco for four seasons. That’s a strong coaching tree - Shanahan, McVay, and Robert Saleh - and LaFleur’s resume reflects a steady climb through some of the league’s most respected offensive systems.
If the Rams manage to knock off the Bears this Sunday, it could delay LaFleur’s availability for a second round of interviews - postseason rules limit when coaches still in the playoffs can meet with other teams. But a win would also strengthen his case. Success in January tends to turn up the volume on a coach’s candidacy, and LaFleur is already drawing attention.
He’s not just riding the coattails of McVay or Shanahan - LaFleur has built a reputation for creativity in the passing game and adaptability under pressure. His time with the Jets wasn’t without its bumps, but the offensive structure he tried to implement there has since gained traction in other systems. With the Rams, he’s shown he can work with a mix of young talent and veteran leadership to keep the offense humming.
Now, with two interviews on the docket and potentially more to come, LaFleur’s name is gaining serious traction in the head coaching carousel. Whether it’s in Arizona, Las Vegas, or somewhere else down the line, he’s firmly in the mix - and postseason success could be the final push that gets him over the top.