NFLSep 26
Mike LaFleur Faces Kyle Shanahan as Cardinals Add New Chapter to Coaching Connection
Fresh off a winning head-coaching debut, Arizona’s Mike LaFleur visits the mentor who helped launch his NFL career.
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A familiar opponent, a different role
The new Arizona Cardinals head coach will be across the field from Kyle Shanahan, whose staff provided his entry into the NFL. LaFleur opened his head-coaching tenure with a Week 1 victory over the Chargers. Now he faces Shanahan as a fellow head coach after previously matching up against him during his time as the Rams’ offensive coordinator. For LaFleur, the personal connection will take a back seat once the game begins. He expects the opportunity to reflect on this milestone to come during the offseason rather than amid preparations for a division opponent.
An apprenticeship that crossed cities
LaFleur began his NFL career as a Cleveland offensive intern at 27, working under Shanahan after coaching at small colleges. He then followed Shanahan to Atlanta and San Francisco, spending seven consecutive seasons alongside him. With the 49ers, LaFleur served as passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach from 2017 to 2020. Shanahan views his former assistant as an especially perceptive coach, placing him alongside the other prominent head coaches who emerged from his staffs. That background is also central to DeMeco Ryans’ confidence in LaFleur. Ryans worked with him in San Francisco and sees his extended exposure to Shanahan as an important foundation.
Support beyond the sideline
LaFleur enters the job with a close network that includes his brother, Packers coach Matt LaFleur, and Rams coach Sean McVay. McVay celebrated Arizona’s opening victory despite the division rivalry, while Robert Saleh has highlighted LaFleur’s communication skills and clear vision. Dan Quinn, who hired LaFleur as an Atlanta offensive assistant in 2015, has also offered guidance as he navigates unfamiliar responsibilities. That support remains available, even as another close coaching relationship becomes Sunday’s competitive challenge.
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