Mike LaFleur Takes the Reins in Arizona - But What Does That Mean for Kyler Murray?
GLENDALE - The Arizona Cardinals have officially kicked off their offseason with a bold move: hiring former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur as their next head coach. At 38, LaFleur is stepping into his first head coaching role, and he’s doing it in a division that’s not exactly known for taking it easy on newcomers. The NFC West is a gauntlet - and LaFleur will now be coaching against two of his biggest influences, Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, twice a year.
So, the question that now looms largest in the desert: What does this mean for Kyler Murray?
The Kyler Conundrum
There’s been plenty of chatter this offseason about whether the Cardinals might look to trade the 28-year-old quarterback. But with LaFleur - a coach known for his offensive creativity and quarterback-friendly systems - now in charge, that conversation might take a different turn.
Let’s be clear: Murray’s last few seasons have been anything but smooth. After tearing his ACL in 2022, he fought his way back and returned in Week 10 of the following season.
He managed to stay healthy through 2024, but this past year, a foot injury cut his campaign down to just five games. That’s a far cry from the early days of his career, when he played in 96% of games over his first three seasons, earned two Pro Bowl nods, and averaged over 3,800 passing yards and 26 touchdowns per year.
Back then, he was operating under Kliff Kingsbury - another offensive-minded head coach who knew how to build a scheme around Murray’s unique skill set. The results spoke for themselves. And while Kingsbury’s tenure didn’t end the way anyone hoped, it’s hard to ignore how effective Murray was when paired with a coach who could maximize his strengths.
Can LaFleur Unlock That Version of Murray?
That’s the million-dollar question. LaFleur comes from the McVay coaching tree, and if you’ve watched what that system has done for quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford, you know the potential is there. LaFleur’s offense is built on timing, rhythm, and getting the ball out quickly - all things that could play to Murray’s advantage, especially as he looks to stay upright and healthy.
If LaFleur can tap into even a portion of the production Murray put up in his early years - or replicate a fraction of what Stafford has done in Los Angeles - the Cardinals could be sitting on a much brighter future than many expect.
The Brissett Factor
Now, let’s talk about the alternative. Jacoby Brissett is on the roster, and he’s a respected veteran who’s been through just about every situation a quarterback can face. But if the Cardinals roll into 2026 with Brissett as the starter, it sends a very different message - one that says this is a transitional year, not a competitive one.
Brissett’s 1-11 record as a starter this past season tells part of the story. He was in a tough spot, no doubt, but for a team that claims it wants to push for the playoffs, that kind of performance won’t cut it. Murray, even with the injury concerns, gives Arizona a real shot to compete - and more importantly, gives fans a reason to believe again.
What’s Next?
There’s still plenty to sort out in Arizona. Will LaFleur call plays himself?
Will the front office commit to Murray as the face of the franchise moving forward? Those answers will come in time.
But for now, one thing is clear: the Cardinals are betting on offensive innovation with this hire. And if LaFleur can reignite the spark in Kyler Murray, Arizona might just have the pieces to surprise some people in 2026.