LaFleur Named Cardinals Head Coach, Kubiak to Raiders | February 2, 2026

Cardinals Gamble on LaFleur, Raiders Eye Kubiak: A Look at NFL Coaching Trends

The Arizona Cardinals have appointed Mike LaFleur as their new head coach, turning to the offensive coordinator of a division rival in a bid to revitalize the struggling franchise. This announcement, made yesterday, concludes a nearly four-week search process for the Cardinals.

From Los Angeles to the Desert: LaFleur’s Offensive Prowess

LaFleur, 38, steps in to replace Jonathan Gannon, who was dismissed on January 5th after a three-year tenure marked by a 15-36 record, including a 3-14 season last year. He arrives from the Los Angeles Rams, where he served as offensive coordinator for the past three seasons.

The Rams boasted the NFL’s top offense in 2025, averaging nearly 400 total yards and over 30 points per game. They reached the NFC Championship game, falling to the Seattle Seahawks 31-27. The Cardinals’ leadership had ample opportunity to observe LaFleur’s offensive system, as the Rams secured two decisive victories against Arizona last season, totaling 82 points.

A Coaching Lineage and Broad Experience

LaFleur is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach, Matt LaFleur. Prior to his time with the Rams, he coordinated the offense for the New York Jets from 2021 to 2022. His coaching resume also includes working under Kyle Shanahan with the Cleveland Browns, Atlanta Falcons, and San Francisco 49ers.

Arizona’s Potential and the Murray Question

LaFleur inherits a Cardinals roster with promising pieces, including All-Pro tight end Trey McBride, receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., and veteran pass rusher Josh Sweat. Arizona also holds the third overall pick in the upcoming April draft.

However, the future of quarterback Kyler Murray remains a significant question mark. The 28-year-old has spent seven seasons with the Cardinals since being the first overall pick in 2019, reaching the playoffs only once – a Wild Card loss to the Rams in 2021.

Raiders Pursue Offensive Continuity

Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders are working to finalize a deal to bring Klint Kubiak on as their offensive coordinator under new head coach, currently with the Seattle Seahawks. An official announcement is expected after the Super Bowl between Seattle and the New England Patriots. Kubiak, 38, interviewed with the Raiders for a second time on Saturday and emerged as the leading candidate.

The Rise of Offensive-Minded Coaches

These coaching moves reflect a broader trend in the NFL towards prioritizing offensive expertise. The success of teams like the Rams and Seahawks, with their high-powered offenses, demonstrates the value of innovative offensive schemes and play-calling. The demand for coordinators like LaFleur and Kubiak highlights the importance of offensive coaching experience in today’s league.

Did you know?

The Rams’ offense, under LaFleur in 2025, averaged almost 400 yards per game, showcasing a potent attack that nearly propelled them to the Super Bowl.

FAQ

Q: Who is the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals?
A: Mike LaFleur.

Q: Where was Mike LaFleur coaching before joining the Cardinals?
A: He was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

Q: What is the status of Kyler Murray’s future with the Cardinals?
A: His future with the franchise is currently uncertain.

Q: Who are the Las Vegas Raiders targeting as their new offensive coordinator?
A: Klint Kubiak.

Q: When will the Raiders officially announce their offensive coordinator hire?
A: After the Super Bowl on February 8th.

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