The Arizona Cardinals are hitting the reset button - again - but this time, they're doing it with a clear shift in philosophy. Out goes defensive-minded Jonathan Gannon, and in comes Mike LaFleur, a coach with deep offensive roots and a résumé that’s quietly built for this moment.
LaFleur arrives in the desert after a three-year stint as offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams, where he worked under the offensive wizardry of Sean McVay. While McVay called the plays, LaFleur played a key role in game-planning and development, helping guide the Rams all the way to the NFC Championship Game this past season.
Now, LaFleur gets the headset back. He’ll be calling plays again - and you can tell he’s ready for it.
“I look forward to it. I missed it,” LaFleur said. That’s the voice of a coach who’s been waiting for his shot to run the show again.
This isn’t some overnight rise. LaFleur’s journey has been a grind - the kind of climb that earns respect in locker rooms and front offices alike.
He got his start in 2009 at Elmhurst, where he played quarterback and then stepped into an offensive assistant role. From there, it was a steady climb through the college ranks: QB coach and later offensive coordinator at St.
Joseph’s, then a multi-role gig at Davidson where he handled quarterbacks, wide receivers, and the OC duties all at once.
The NFL came calling in 2014, and LaFleur answered - first as an offensive intern with the Cleveland Browns. Then came a spot with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015 as an offensive assistant.
But it was his time with the San Francisco 49ers (2017-2020) that really helped shape his identity, serving as the passing game coordinator in Kyle Shanahan’s system. That experience led to his first OC job with the New York Jets, where he called plays for two seasons before heading west to join McVay in L.A.
Now, he’s got the keys to the Cardinals’ offense - and the task ahead is no small one.
Arizona’s offense has been stuck in neutral, and LaFleur’s first order of business will be figuring out what to do under center. The big question: Is Kyler Murray still the guy?
The franchise quarterback has shown flashes of brilliance, but injuries and inconsistency have clouded his future. LaFleur’s system - built on timing, rhythm, and quarterback-friendly concepts - could be just what Murray needs to get back on track.
Or, it could signal a fresh start entirely.
Either way, the Cardinals are hoping LaFleur’s offensive pedigree can spark a turnaround in the rugged NFC West - a division that doesn’t hand out wins easily. With the 45th head coach in franchise history now in place, the Cardinals are banking on a new direction, a new voice, and a play-caller who’s been preparing for this moment for over a decade.
This isn’t just a coaching change. It’s a philosophical shift - and it’s going to be fascinating to watch how it plays out in the desert.