GLENDALE – Mike LaFleur becoming the Arizona Cardinals 44th head coach in franchise history appears to be a foregone conclusion. The 38-year-old Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator will be the four coach that has held that position to earn an NFL head coaching job: Kevin O’Connell, Liam Coen and Matt LaFleur.
GLENDALE – Mike LaFleur becoming the Arizona Cardinals 44th head coach in franchise history appears to be a foregone conclusion. The 38-year-old Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator will be the four coach that has held that position to earn an NFL head coaching job: Kevin O’Connell, Liam Coen and Matt LaFleur.
Despite LaFleur’s expected hiring, the Cardinals do have apparent interest in former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris. Ironically enough, Morris was a defensive coordinator under Rams head coach Sean McVay and is also a disciple, which could be another reason Arizona could snag both their top candidates in different roles.
Dec 29, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sideline against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Can Cardinals snag Morris?
The franchise could try to bring on Morris as a defensive coordinator alongside LaFleur to lead the team together. The duo have connection that supercedes their Los Angeles days, when both were with the Atlanta Falcons in 2015-2016. LaFleur was an offensive assistant, while Morris was an assistant head coach, wide receiver coach and defensive pass game coordinator.
Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris on the sidelines against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The two has been connected throughout the year, but that might not be enough. Morris has gotten some serious interest from teams for their defensive coordinator role, including NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan just lost his DC in Robert Saleh to the Tennessee Titans job, making Arizona’s pursuit much harder.
Morris has championship-winning DNA with Rams in 2021 and has much-needed experience to gift LaFleur if given the job. After a franchise worst 14 losses in 2025, the Cardinals need all hands on deck to turn the ship around.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
Category: General Sports
