Mike LaFleur has been appointed as the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, taking over a team that has struggled in recent years, making the playoffs just once in the last decade and failing to win a playoff game since 2015.
LaFleur, who is 39 years old, previously directed the Los Angeles Rams’ offense and is expected to introduce innovative strategies to the Cardinals, who are now without former quarterback Kyler Murray and have veteran Jacoby Brissett starting under center.
The Cardinals possess a strong group of skill position players, including All-Pro tight end Trey McBride, wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, who was selected with the third overall pick from Notre Dame.
Brissett, who threw for a career-high 3,366 yards last season, aims to improve upon a difficult 2025 season where the team finished with a 1-11 record after he stepped in for the injured Murray.
Defensively, the Cardinals are led by second-year defensive lineman Walter Nolen III, edge rusher Josh Sweat, and safety Budda Baker. Sweat achieved a career-high of 12 sacks last season, while Nolen showed promise during his rookie year, although he faced health challenges.
The Cardinals have added several new players to their roster, including quarterbacks Gardner Minshew and Carson Beck, running backs Love and Tyler Allgeier, and several wide receivers. However, they have also lost key players such as Murray, running back Michael Carter, and defensive lineman Calais Campbell.
