TEMPE, Ariz. — The Arizona Cardinals hired Mike LaFleur as their next head coach Sunday, turning to a division rival’s offensive coordinator to try to pull the franchise out of the bottom of the highly competitive NFC West.
The Cardinals’ announcement of the five-year deal brought an end to the nearly four-week hiring process.
The 38-year-old Los Angeles Rams assistant replaces Jonathan Gannon, who was fired Jan. 5 after a 15-36 record over three seasons, including 3-14 this past season.
LaFleur — who is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur — has been the offensive coordinator in Los Angeles for the past three seasons.
“I couldn’t be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and am beyond grateful to (owner) Michael (Bidwill) and (general manager) Monti (Ossenfort) for this opportunity,” LaFleur said in a release.