‘Absolute dawg’: Puka Nacua thrilled former OC Mike LaFleur has his head-coaching shot

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had a career year in virtually every offensive category, and he was among the finalists for 2025 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year.

The offensive coordinator with him for every bit of his first three years as a pro? Newly hired Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur.

Nacua has experienced both individual and team success under LaFleur, and he told the “Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams” Friday that Arizona can expect the exact same “dawg.”

“I called him as soon as I saw the news and we shared a good moment,” Nacua said. “He’s a competitor in every which way.”

All the L.A. receiver did in this past regular season was produce with 129 catches, 1,715 yards (13.3 average) and 10 touchdowns. He added another 24 receptions, 332 yards and two scores in three postseason games as the Rams made it to the NFC Championship.

The numbers themselves argue Nacua enjoys his craft, but the 24-year-old said LaFleur checks with his players daily to see how they’re doing.

“He asks me before every single practice if I still love it,” Nacua said. “I hope he knows that I do. … There’s somebody who’s been by my side through the ups and the downs. I call him every time, I FaceTime him. Me and his son are really good friends. He’s the best.”

Rams WR Puka Nacua on his tightknit relationship with former OC and new Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur:

“He’s a competitor in every which way… I’m sad that I have to beat him up two times a year, but I’m sure we’ll still be friends after.” 😂@AsapPuka | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/BvioHUXpU6

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) February 6, 2026

Now, Nacua will line up on the opposite sideline of LaFleur and the two will see each other twice a year as NFC West rivals.

The head-to-head matchup between the Cardinals and Rams has been as lopsided as possible for Nacua, as Los Angeles is 5-0 against Arizona when the receiver plays.

With that in mind, Nacua made a playful stab at LaFleur, who will call the Cardinals’ offensive plays.

“I’m sad that I have to beat him up two times a year, but I’m sure we’ll still be friends after,” Nacua said.

Rams head coach Sean McVay called the offensive shots most of last season, but LaFleur did give orders for one of the games against Arizona — and had great success.

It’ll now be up to the 38-year-old to bring that script to the desert.

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