Mike LaFleur is bringing a focus on authenticity to his first season as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, according to comments made on May 21. Veteran wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, who previously worked with LaFleur in San Francisco, said he was impressed by LaFleur’s ability to call plays without a script and his engaging teaching style. “He was calling plays off the head, no script,” Bourne said. “He’s just calling plays, making us get to spots off his head, and it’s like, ‘Yoooo.’ … He’s enthusiastic and passionate in the classroom… It’s not dull. As players we feel that.”
LaFleur’s approach matters for a team looking to rebound from a disappointing three-win season last year. The Cardinals play their home games in Glendale and serve the greater Phoenix area as part of the National Football League’s NFC West division according to the official website. The organization stands as the oldest continuously operating professional football franchise in the United States.
LaFleur credits his coaching philosophy to lessons learned from his family. His father Denny coached at Central Michigan for years while his mother Kristi coached cheerleading and track. His older brother Matt has been head coach of the Green Bay Packers since 2019. “I don’t see it as energy. I think it’s authenticity,” Mike LaFleur said about how he approaches leadership with players.
Players describe LaFleur as someone who builds strong relationships beyond football tactics. Running back Bam Knight recalled how LaFleur made practices enjoyable even during tough times with the New York Jets: “Even though we weren’t in the best situation with the Jets, he made every week enjoyable… you love to have that around you.” Wide receiver Michael Wilson added that LaFleur makes him feel valued both personally and professionally: “He’s one of the few NFL coaches I’ve been around, every time we have a conversation, he always asks about my daughter, my wife… He makes you feel like you’re special as a human and not just an X and an O.” Former Rams colleague Sean McVay also praised him: “He’s gonna be a great playcaller… I’m going to miss him a lot.” Kyle Shanahan commented similarly: “Mike’s a good dude who really knows football.”
The upcoming season includes extra preparation time due to participation in this year’s Hall of Fame game and joint practices against Matt’s Packers in Green Bay—an opportunity for both competition and family connection before training camp begins.
Reflecting on coaching changes throughout his life—including being fired from previous positions—LaFleur said: “You learn at an early age that (coaching change) is somewhat inevitable… You try to apply those lessons learned into what that next adventure will be.” As preparations continue for training camp later this summer, both coaches and players are looking forward with optimism under new leadership.
