The Athletic: Mike LaFleur hire ranked bottom of head-coaching cycle, a ‘wait-and-see’ candidate
Mike LaFleur's hiring by the Cardinals was the last known of the NFL head-coaching cycle, and a panel of coaches and team executives rated it tied-for-last.
New Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur (L) speaks as general manager Monti Ossenfort looks o during a press conference at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center on February 03, 2026 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
Mike LaFleur’s hiring by the Arizona Cardinals did not receive a stellar grade by The Athletic’s panel of coaches and team executives polled recently on this offseason’s head-coaching cycle.
Using a point system that awarded first-place votes with five points, second-place with four points and so on, LaFleur came in tied for last with new Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken. Neither received a point.
Jeff Howe of The Athletic said Arizona “perpetually rebuilding” married with the fact the 38-year-old is a first-time head coach were grounds for why LaFleur’s hiring was viewed at the bottom of the barrel.
To put it even simpler, Howe said the panel took a “wait-and-see approach” with both LaFleur and Monken.
The Cardinals have their offensive coordinator with Nathaniel Hackett coming aboard last week but still have to figure out defensive and special teams coordinator. And answering those two major coordinator questions don’t even begin to address Arizona’s quarterback situation with Kyler Murray squarely in the middle.
Evaluating prospects from late February to up to the NFL Draft in April and deciding what to do with Murray during that period could determine LaFleur’s first impression at the helm.
John Harbaugh, the biggest name of the cycle landed by the New York Giants, came in at No. 1 with 42 points and had six of the nine first-place votes.
Klint Kubiak, who was on the Arizona’s radar until the very end, officially was named the newest head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders Monday and earned seven points. The former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator and Super Bowl 60 champion matched Tennessee Titans’ Robert Saleh, another who was tied to the Cardinals.
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Comments
10 Comments
In spite of The Athletic being a rag, how would this be reported any differently? The Cardinal organization certainly doesn't deserve any praise having washed out so many HCs, have drafted poorly, have few meaningful FA signings, etc.
Few seem to want the Arizona Cardinals on their resume.
I don't find anything objectionable or offensive in their assessment.
If you don't know where you're going, any road will get you there.
All coaches are wait and see. Stop the disrespect.