The head coach search for the Arizona Cardinals is over. The team has signed Mike LaFleur as the new man in command for the franchise. The contract details point to a long-term marriage.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Cardinals agreed to a five-year deal with the former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. This is a massive move for a team desperate to enter a new era. The Cardinals have been an underwhelming team for quite a while.
As for the salary, the terms haven’t been disclosed yet, but he was a coveted name and considered among the very best offensive coordinators in the NFL. Hence, the Cardinals must be looking at several million dollars per year to poach him.
What does this mean for the Cardinals?
The Cardinals are doing a 180-turn. They went from the defensive-minded Jonathan Gannon to a highly-scholar offensive prodigy. However, this is good for the Cardinals given their roster.
While they need to solve the QB situation, the skill positions are very good and LaFleur should exploit that. Wideouts like Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr., and tight end Trey McBride will definitely benefit from the LaFleur hire. LaFleur will scheme a pretty wide playbook for them to shine despite who’s under center. After all, Kyler Murray‘s future is up in the air.
The Cardinals need to revamp their status
The last time the Cardinals were actually relevant within the NFL confines was in 2015, where they reached the NFC Championship Game. After that, they’ve been to the playoffs just once, and that’s the only time since 2015 where they’ve had a winning record as well.
It doesn’t help the fact that the Cardinals play in a division that is arguably the toughest in the NFL. They have to play the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks twice a year. All those had 12+ wins this season.