The National Football League (NFL) has completed its search for head coaches for the upcoming season. The Arizona Cardinals were the last team to finalize their selection, marking the end of a period of change for several teams.
The Cardinals have chosen Mike LaFleur, who was previously the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, to lead their team. He has agreed to a five-year contract.
This decision came after reports that Klint Kubiak, the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator, would be joining the Las Vegas Raiders after Super Bowl LX. With these two positions filled, all NFL teams now have their head coaches in place.
Here’s a quick look at the other coaching changes:
- New York Giants: John Harbaugh
- Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski
- Cleveland Browns: Todd Monken
- Buffalo Bills: Joe Brady
- Baltimore Ravens: Jesse Minter
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike McCarthy
- Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley
- Tennessee Titans: Robert Saleh
The Cardinals’ choice of LaFleur means they’ve picked a coach from the group of talented individuals who have worked under Sean McVay, the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. McVay has had four offensive coordinators during his time with the Rams, and now all four have become head coaches in the NFL. The others are Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings), Liam Coen (Jacksonville Jaguars), and Matt LaFleur, Mike’s brother, who coaches the Green Bay Packers.
Michael Bidwill, the owner of the Cardinals, shared his thoughts on the selection process. “We talked with many impressive candidates and learned a lot from each one,” Bidwill said. “In the end, it was clear that Mike LaFleur has what it takes to guide our team to success. He is very smart and has a sharp, creative mind for football. He is also a strong and innovative leader, exactly the kind of person we wanted as our head coach.”
Monti Ossenfort, the Cardinals’ general manager, also expressed his enthusiasm. “Mike has worked with some of the best coaches in football and has been a key part of very successful teams,” Ossenfort said. “He knows what winning football looks like and how to achieve it. Mike is a great communicator with a detailed teaching style that brings out the best in his players. We are very excited for him to join the Cardinals.”
During LaFleur’s time with the Rams, their offense was among the league’s best. They ranked high in passing yards, first downs, and offensive touchdowns. The Rams also gained a significant number of yards per game, placing them among the top teams in the NFL.
“I am incredibly excited to be the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals,” LaFleur said. “I am very thankful to Michael (Bidwill) and Monti (Ossenfort) for this opportunity. I’ve seen the team’s talent and toughness while competing against them in the NFC, and I can’t wait to get to Arizona and start working.”
Before his role with the Rams, LaFleur was the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets, working alongside Robert Saleh. He also worked with Saleh in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan with the 49ers.
Now that all head coaching positions have been filled, teams will begin to build their coaching staffs for the upcoming 2026 NFL season, which officially starts next month.
