Outlook on the Mike LaFleur signing
By: Jake Rajala
Mike LaFleur, also known as the younger brother of Matt LaFleur, is being hired as the next Arizona Cardinals head coach. He was the Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025. This season, the Rams ranked first in PPG and first in YPG. Yes, you read that correctly. Matthew Stafford will most likely win MVP.
In 2024, the Rams weren’t quite as superb. They came in at 20th in PPG and 15th in YPG. Let it be known that they were eighth in PPG in 2023 and seventh in YPG.
So, what grade do the Cardinals earn for signing Mike LaFleur? I would give them a B. He is creative, and he has learned under McVay. We’ve seen Klint Kubiak learn under Kyle Shanahan, and there he is with the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Of course, Kellen Moore was a prominent OC with the Cowboys, Chargers, and Eagles. Then he became a head coach with the Saints. I would like to have seen Mike stay with the Rams a tad longer. He also went 1-2 against the Seahawks. That should leave a bitter taste in the mouths of Mike.
I believe he was somewhat carried by Stafford having Puka Nacua and Davante Adams at WR. Nacua is arguably the best NFL WR and Tae had the most receiving touchdowns last season. It’s hard to go wrong with that. Of course, McVay was the one calling the plays, as well. They also had a defense that ranked 10th in PPG allowed. The Rams defensive coordinator, Chris Shula, had interest for vacant head coaching spots.
He is yet another head coach to have a brother that is also a head coach! We’ve seen Jim Harbaugh and John Harbaugh not only coach in the NFL, but square off in the Super Bowl. I’d like to see the Manning brothers become NFL head coaches and spar against one another.
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