Mike LaFleur Lands Cardinals HC Contract, What's Next for Kyler Murray amid Trade Rumors?

After firing head coach Jonathan Gannon at the start of the offseason, the Arizona Cardinals have made their decision for his replacement, hiring Mike LaFleur.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the two sides were reportedly working on a five-year deal. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that LaFleur "stood out early in the process" as Arizona searched for a replacement for Gannon.

LaFleur has spent the last four seasons as offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, becoming the latest member of the Sean McVay coaching tree to land a head coaching position. He helped guide a unit that led the NFL with 394.6 yards and 30.5 points per game in 2025.

LaFleur won't have a tough act to follow, as Gannon failed to achieve a winning season in three years at the helm and ended his tenure in Arizona with a 15-36 record. The Cardinals went 3-14 in 2025 for their fourth straight year without a playoff appearance.

To make matters worse, the relationship between Arizona and franchise quarterback Kyler Murray became strained during Gannon's tenure. Murray was limited to just five games this past season due to a foot injury, and there has been rampant speculation that he could be parting ways with the Cardinals this offseason.

ESPN's Josh Weinfuss reported last month that "multiple sources" said that Murray's "trade value increased" following Oregon quarterback Dante Moore's announcement that he was returning to the Ducks. The Cardinals could wipe the slate clean for LaFleur by shipping away the 2019 No. 1 pick if they get an offer they can't refuse.

Gannon was known for his defensive acumen and has since been hired as the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers, but Arizona failed to improve under his leadership. According to Weinfuss, the Cardinals ranked 30th in the NFL in points allowed per game (25.9) and 28th in yards allowed per game (352) since Gannon's hiring in 2023.

Still, there are some promising pieces in Arizona. Tight end Trey McBride was selected to his second straight Pro Bowl after leading the team with 126 catches, 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns. Star receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will be motivated for a bounce-back year after being limited to 12 games due to a foot injury.

It will be up to LaFleur to put all the puzzle pieces together and build the Cardinals back into a playoff contender. Arizona will have the No. 3 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, giving LaFleur the chance to make his mark immediately by selecting a franchise cornerstone to build around as he leads the team into a new era.