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ARI

Mike LaFleur

Head Coach, Arizona Cardinals

Head CoachNew · ex-Rams

Calling plays for ARI since 2026

Play-calling authority

94%

The first-year head coach is unambiguously the architect and game-day caller of his own system ('I missed it. There's something about calling plays'), with veteran Nathaniel Hackett installed as an explicitly non-calling OC and senior voice.

Tendencies

PaceDated sample: his 2021-22 Jets played league-average pace; projected moderate tempo, ball-control in Arizona
Early downs2026 reporting projects a run-leaning, ball-control offense built on outside zone despite pass-heavy Jets years
Target treeProjects narrow: LaFleur says the design targets McBride for 100+ with Harrison in the 'Davante Adams role'
SlotImports a featured Nacua-style big-slot role, publicly assigned to Michael Wilson
MotionPromises heavy 'eye candy' shifts and motion from the McVay tree
Red zoneProjected run-first near the goal line behind rookie Jeremiyah Love, with McBride the top pass option
AlsoWide-zone West Coast scheme with high play-action and screen volume; Rams-style condensed and multi-TE sets
Who benefitsWorkhorse RB Jeremiyah Love, target-hog TE McBride, big-slot Wilson; QB room caps ceilings

Based on: 2021-22 Jets calling sample + 2024-25 Rams staff influence (dated sample)

Career

  1. Arizona CardinalsHead Coach2026–
    Called playsHired Feb 2026 to replace Jonathan Gannon; first NFL head-coaching job
  2. Los Angeles RamsOffensive Coordinator2023–2025
    McVay retained play-calling; 2025 unit led the NFL in scoring
  3. New York JetsOffensive Coordinator2021–2022
    Called playsFirst play-calling job, under Robert Saleh
  4. San Francisco 49ersWR Coach → Passing Game Coordinator2017–2020
  5. Atlanta FalconsOffensive Assistant2015–2016
    Under Kyle Shanahan

Based on press coverage and public perception. Updated July 9, 2026.