mike lafleur

Navigating the Head Coaching Carousel: Mike LaFleur's NFL Journey and Current Status

Byline: Editorial Team | Last Updated: January 30, 2026

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, the head coaching carousel never truly stops spinning. As franchises across the league evaluate their leadership, offensive coordinators often find themselves at the center of speculation. Mike LaFleur, an offensive mind with deep ties to the Shanahan coaching tree, has become a recurring name in these discussions. While recent reports have linked him to the Arizona Cardinals' vacancy, the latest developments suggest a shifting landscape in the NFL's hiring cycle.

This article explores the current trends surrounding Mike LaFleur, the verified updates regarding the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching search, and the broader context of NFL hiring practices. We will break down the events, analyze the implications, and look ahead to what this means for LaFleur and the teams involved.

The Main Narrative: A Shifting Landscape for NFL Coordinators

The NFL’s head coaching cycle is a complex chess match, where each move can trigger a cascade of changes. Currently, the focus is on the Arizona Cardinals, who are actively seeking a new leader following the conclusion of the 2025 season. For weeks, Mike LaFleur has been a prominent figure in this search, representing a candidate with significant offensive pedigree.

LaFleur, the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and a former offensive coordinator for the New York Jets, has built a reputation as a creative offensive mind. His work under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco and his tenure as a play-caller in New York have made him a sought-after candidate for teams looking to revitalize their offense.

However, the narrative took a significant turn recently. While LaFleur was indeed a candidate for the Cardinals' head coaching job, the search has progressed, and new developments have emerged. According to a report from Arizona Sports, the Cardinals have scheduled a second interview with Klint Kubiak, another offensive coordinator with a strong pedigree. This move signals that the Cardinals are seriously considering Kubiak for their vacancy.

Simultaneously, a report from Broncos Wire indicates that the Denver Broncos, who are also in the market for a new head coach, have identified their own set of candidates. While Mike LaFleur's name was not explicitly mentioned in this specific report, the Broncos' involvement in the coaching carousel adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As the pool of available head coaching positions shrinks, the competition for top candidates like LaFleur intensifies.

The most recent development, reported by Yahoo Sports, highlights that the Arizona Cardinals suffered another loss in their battle for a head coach. While the specifics of this "loss" are tied to the broader search process, it underscores the challenges franchises face in securing their top choice. As the Cardinals pivot towards candidates like Klint Kubiak, Mike LaFleur's immediate future in Arizona appears uncertain.

This series of events is significant because it illustrates the fluid and often unpredictable nature of NFL hiring. For a coach like LaFleur, it means navigating a landscape where opportunities can arise and disappear quickly. For teams like the Cardinals and Broncos, it represents a critical decision that will shape their franchise's trajectory for years to come.

Recent Updates: The Arizona Cardinals' Coaching Search

To understand the current situation, it's essential to look at the verified timeline of events surrounding the Arizona Cardinals' head coaching search.

Klint Kubiak's Second Interview

According to a report from Arizona Sports, Klint Kubiak is set for a second interview with the Arizona Cardinals. This is a significant step in the hiring process, as it indicates the team has narrowed its focus and is seriously considering him for the role. Kubiak, the son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak, has experience as an offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings and has worked under Sean Payton in Denver. His offensive philosophy, rooted in the West Coast scheme, aligns with the modern NFL's emphasis on efficiency and versatility.

The Broncos' Parallel Search

The Broncos Wire reports that two NFL head coach openings remain, and the Broncos have candidates for both. While the report does not specify who these candidates are, it confirms that the Broncos are actively engaged in their search. This is relevant because the Broncos' decision could impact the Cardinals' search. If the Broncos hire a candidate who was also on the Cardinals' radar, it could narrow the pool for Arizona.

A Setback for Arizona

A report from Yahoo Sports suggests that the Arizona Cardinals have faced another setback in their head coaching search. While the details of this "loss" are not explicitly stated, it likely refers to the departure of other potential candidates or the challenges in securing their top choice. This development underscores the competitive nature of the NFL coaching market, where top-tier candidates often interview with multiple teams and weigh various factors, including roster strength, organizational stability, and financial offers.

Mike LaFleur's Status

It is important to note that there are no official reports confirming Mike LaFleur as a finalist for the Cardinals' job at this stage. His name was prominently linked to the position earlier in the cycle, but the recent focus on Klint Kubiak suggests the Cardinals may be moving in a different direction. LaFleur remains a respected offensive mind in the league, and his next opportunity could come with another team or in a different role.

Contextual Background: Mike LaFleur’s Coaching Journey

To fully grasp the significance of these developments, it’s helpful to understand Mike LaFleur’s background and his place within the NFL’s coaching landscape.

The Shanahan Tree

Mike LaFleur is part of the famed "Shanahan coaching tree," a lineage of coaches who have worked under Kyle Shanahan or his father, Mike Shanahan. This tree is known for producing innovative offensive schemes that emphasize the running game, play-action passing, and zone-blocking concepts. LaFleur’s time as a passing game coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers under Kyle Shanahan helped shape his coaching philosophy.

Tenure with the New York Jets

LaFleur served as the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 2021 to 2022. During his time there, he worked with quarterback Zach Wilson and helped develop a young offensive roster. While the Jets’ offense faced challenges, LaFleur’s ability to design creative plays and adapt to his personnel was evident. His experience in New York likely prepared him for a potential head coaching role, where he would need to manage an entire team rather than just the offense.

Family Ties

Being the brother of Matt LaFleur, the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, adds another dimension to Mike’s career. The LaFleur brothers are part of a new generation of NFL coaches who blend traditional football principles with modern analytics and strategy. This connection also places Mike within a broader network of influential figures in the league.

The Demand for Offensive Minds

In recent years, NFL teams have increasingly prioritized hiring offensive-minded head coaches. This trend reflects the league’s evolution into a pass-heavy, high-scoring environment. Coaches like Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and Mike LaFleur are seen as architects of modern offenses, making them attractive candidates for head coaching positions.

Immediate Effects: What This Means for the Teams and LaFleur

The current developments in the NFL coaching carousel have immediate implications for Mike LaFleur, the Arizona Cardinals, and the Denver Broncos.

For Mike LaFleur

As the Cardinals pivot towards Klint Kubiak, LaFleur may need to explore other opportunities. The NFL head coaching cycle is highly competitive, with only 32 positions available. LaFleur’s next step could involve interviewing with other teams, accepting an offensive coordinator role elsewhere, or returning to his previous position. His experience and reputation ensure he remains a valuable asset in the league, but the timing of his opportunities depends on how the current hiring cycle unfolds.

For the Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals’ focus on Klint Kubiak suggests they are prioritizing offensive innovation and continuity. Kubiak’s background in the Shanahan system aligns with the Cardinals’ desire to build a modern, efficient offense. However, the team’s recent "loss" in the coaching search indicates they may face challenges in securing their top choice. If the Cardinals fail to land Kubiak or another preferred candidate, they may need to broaden their search, which could delay the hiring process and impact their preparation for the 2026 season.

For the Denver Broncos

The Broncos’ involvement in the coaching carousel adds another layer of complexity. If the Broncos hire a candidate who was also on the Cardinals’ radar, it could create a domino effect, forcing Arizona to consider alternative options. The Broncos’ decision will be influenced by their roster, organizational goals, and the vision presented by their candidates.

For the NFL Landscape

The broader implication of these developments is the continued emphasis on offensive-minded coaches. Teams