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Cardinals Introduce Mike LaFleur as Head Coach, Hand Him Play-Calling Duties

Arizona weighs Kyler Murray’s future as contract guarantees approach in March.

Overview

  • LaFleur was formally introduced in Tempe and said he will run the Cardinals’ offense as the primary play-caller.
  • He confirmed contact with Kyler Murray but offered no commitment on the starting quarterback role as roster evaluations begin.
  • Murray and Jacoby Brissett are under contract for 2026, with $39.8 million already guaranteed to Murray for 2026 and another $17 million for 2027 set to vest on the fifth day of the league year in March.
  • LaFleur arrives after three seasons as the Rams’ offensive coordinator, where the 2025 unit ranked among the NFL’s best; he did not call plays there and last did so with the Jets in 2021–22.
  • The hire follows Jonathan Gannon’s Jan. 5 dismissal after a 3-14 season, and Arizona now turns to staff construction, roster moves and the No. 3 pick in April’s draft.