PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 31: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals were one of the last teams to decide who their head coach will be next season, but it seems they’ve finally made their decision.
On February 1, the Cardinals announced they would sign Mike LaFleur as their head coach. LaFleur has been the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator since 2023. The Rams have made the playoffs every year he was the offensive coordinator. LaFleur’s brother, Matt LaFleur, is the Green Bay Packers head coach.
LaFleur got his coaching career started in 2009 as the offensive assistant for the Division III Elmhurst Blue Jays. In 2014, the Cleveland Browns gave him a shot as an offensive intern.
In 2016, he helped the Atlanta Falcons make the Super Bowl as an offensive assistant. He made the Super Bowl again in 2019 as the San Francisco 49ers’ passing game coordinator.
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LaFleur’s offensive scheme is inspired by Kyle Shanahan. LaFleur worked with him on the Falcons and the 49ers. His offensive system is known for creating good running lanes, pre-snap motion, and quick throws for quarterbacks. All of that should benefit Cardinals QB Kyler Murray.
On defense, he will need to rely on his defensive coordinator, Nick Rallis. Rallis was a linebackers coach for the 2022 Eagles, who made the Super Bowl. He’s been the defensive coordinator for the Cardinals since 2023.
In 2024, the Cardinals had the 15th-best defense in the league. Their defense relied on a strong secondary led by Budda Baker. Rallis’ defensive schemes don’t tend to put pressure on QBs; he focuses on breaking up pass attempts.
Improving pass-rushing is likely to be the Cardinals’ top priority this offseason. On offense, they will need to improve their offensive line to maximize LaFleur’s system. The Cardinals had the 26th-ranked offensive line according to Pro Football Focus.
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