If the Arizona Cardinals are serious about turning the page and finally finding the right leader for their franchise, they might not need to look at the usual suspects. The coaching carousel is spinning fast this offseason, and while Arizona’s list of head coaching interviews is long-and growing-it’s the name not on that list that might be the most intriguing: Matt LaFleur.
Yes, that Matt LaFleur. The one who’s quietly built a 76-40-1 record as head coach of the Green Bay Packers since 2019.
The one who took over a team in transition and delivered three straight 13-win seasons right out of the gate. The one who helped reset the Packers’ offense post-Aaron Rodgers and developed a competitive team around a young quarterback.
That Matt LaFleur.
Now, let’s be clear: LaFleur is still under contract in Green Bay. But the situation there is… complicated.
His current deal runs through the 2026 season, and while there have been talks about an extension, those talks have hit some snags-mostly financial ones. And with the coaching market heating up (thanks, in no small part, to reports of John Harbaugh potentially landing a $20 million-per-year deal), the Packers’ front office is feeling the pressure.
Green Bay president and CEO Ed Policy reportedly isn’t thrilled about the idea of handing out massive contracts to coaches. He’s wary of the ripple effect-pay your head coach big money, and suddenly every top assistant wants a raise too.
That’s not how the Packers have historically operated. They’ve leaned heavily on internal promotions and cost-effective hires, not splashy contracts.
That friction could open the door for LaFleur to explore other opportunities. And if the Packers aren’t willing to lock him up long-term, they might be forced to consider letting him walk-or even trading him.
Yes, trading a head coach.
It’s rare, but it’s not unheard of. The most famous example?
In 2000, the New England Patriots sent a first-round pick to the New York Jets in exchange for the rights to hire Bill Belichick. That trade set the stage for one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history.
Could Arizona pull off a similar move?
The Cardinals currently hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That’s a premium asset, and it would take something of that magnitude to pry LaFleur away from Green Bay. But if Arizona believes he’s the right guy to reshape their offense and lead the franchise forward, it might be worth the price.
Let’s not forget what LaFleur has accomplished in Green Bay:
- 2019: 13-3, won the division, reached the NFC Championship Game
- 2020: 13-3, another division title, another NFC Championship appearance
- 2021: 13-4, division champs again, but an early playoff exit
- 2022: 8-9, missed the playoffs in a transitional year
- 2023: 9-8, second in the division, won a playoff game
- 2024: 11-6, playoff appearance
- 2025: 9-7-1, another postseason berth
That’s a .654 winning percentage over seven seasons. And while the playoff record (3-6) leaves room for improvement, it’s hard to argue with that level of consistent success-especially given the roster turnover and quarterback transition he’s navigated.
So why would LaFleur even consider leaving? Well, there are a few factors at play.
First, the Packers are reportedly looking to revert back to a more traditional power structure, where the head coach reports to the general manager. In recent years, both the head coach and GM have reported directly to the president/CEO. A change in that dynamic could be seen as a step backward for LaFleur, especially if he feels it limits his influence over roster decisions.
Second, the lack of a long-term deal creates uncertainty. Most NFL teams don’t like their head coaches entering the final year of a contract without an extension in place.
It raises questions about job security, stability, and long-term vision. If the Packers aren’t willing to meet LaFleur’s asking price-or if they’re hesitant to commit-it could push him to consider a fresh start elsewhere.
That’s where Arizona comes in.
The Cardinals are in a pivotal moment. They’ve cycled through coaches and schemes in recent years, and after parting ways with Jonathan Gannon following a disappointing three-year run, they’re clearly searching for a leader who can bring stability and offensive innovation. LaFleur checks both boxes.
He’s a proven offensive mind. Even with injuries and inconsistency at quarterback, Green Bay still managed to finish in the top half of the league in total offense this past season. And when things are clicking, LaFleur’s offense hums-just look at their No. 5 ranking the season before.
More importantly, he’s adaptable. He’s shown he can win with different quarterbacks, different supporting casts, and through different phases of a roster’s life cycle. That kind of versatility is exactly what the Cardinals need as they look to build around their young core and high draft capital.
Of course, this all hinges on whether Green Bay is willing to let him go-and whether Arizona is bold enough to make a move.
A trade for a head coach isn’t the norm, but in today’s NFL, where coaching can be the difference between mediocrity and contention, it’s not out of the question. And if the Cardinals believe LaFleur is the guy to lead them into the next era, giving up a top draft pick might not be a gamble-it might be the smartest investment they’ve made in years.