New Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur confirmed Tuesday that he will take on the responsibility of calling offensive plays in his inaugural season with the team. LaFleur, who was recently hired to lead the franchise, shared this update as part of his introductory remarks to the media.
In addition to outlining his role in game strategy, LaFleur confirmed that he has already spoken with quarterback Kyler Murray. While the two have had initial conversations, LaFleur noted that no decision has been finalized regarding the quarterback position for the upcoming season. Murray, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, has been the Cardinals’ starting quarterback since 2019 but has faced periods of inconsistency and injury in recent years.
LaFleur’s decision to call plays marks a significant move as he transitions from his previous role as an offensive coordinator in the NFL. His tenure with prior teams, including the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers, was noted for a modern offensive approach rooted in creativity and adaptability. Now in a head coaching capacity, he will assume the dual responsibility of managing overall team operations while maintaining direct control over the offense.
The Cardinals are coming off a challenging season and are undergoing a period of restructuring at both the coaching and roster levels. LaFleur’s leadership and play-calling philosophy will likely shape the direction of the team’s offense moving forward. However, questions surrounding the starting quarterback position, including Murray’s health and long-term fit within LaFleur’s system, remain unresolved.
As the offseason progresses, roster evaluations and further discussions between LaFleur and the team’s front office are expected to influence the quarterback decision. For now, LaFleur’s emphasis on communication and system implementation signals an early focus on rebuilding cohesion and performance on the offensive side of the ball.
