LaFleur, 38, has quickly emerged as the frontrunner after the Rams’ NFC Championship Game loss, and he remains available for interviews while the franchise weighs its options. He is part of the Sean McVay coaching tree, and is the younger brother of Matt LaFleur, the Green Bay Packers’ head coach. Theo Mackie of the Arizona Republic noted that LaFleur would be the fourth McVay-era offensive coordinator to land a head coaching job.
If LaFleur is the frontrunner, the Cardinals appear poised to finalize a deal in the next two days. The club has shown a penchant for offensive-minded leaders in recent years, with Ken Whisenhunt, Bruce Arians, and Kliff Kingsbury guiding the team to the postseason at least once.
Hiring LaFleur would continue a trend of promoting first-time head coaches, and the Cardinals would likely rely on an experienced defensive coordinator to balance his inexperience on that side of the ball. Potential fits discussed include Vance Joseph or Raheem Morris, with Morris viewed as the more likely option for the defensive coordinator role and assistant head coach. Morris previously served as a defensive coordinator on a Super Bowl–winning staff and has prior head coaching experience.
Quarterback strategy looms large in the hire’s context. While his influence may not extend to Kyler Murray’s fate, Arizona is reportedly weighing a potential Murray trade to manage a $52.6 million cap hit. Possible quarterback options mentioned include San Francisco’s Mac Jones and Malik Willis, who has connections to Green Bay and the broader McVay circle. In draft plans, Fernando Mendoza is seen as the top prospect but is widely expected to go No. 1 to Las Vegas, which could force the Cardinals to consider Ty Simpson at No. 3.
As the interview process progresses, all eyes will be on whether LaFleur can secure the deal and how the Cardinals will structure their staff and quarterback plan around him. Further reporting will clarify whether the frontrunner status translates into a formal agreement in the coming days.
