Revenge of the Birds
Every team in the NFL wants that elite young buck to lead their roster to the promised land. You know the type: The Sean McVay’s or the Kyle Shanahan’s. The Arizona Cardinals thought they had their version back in 2022 when they nabbed Jonathan Gannon away from the Philadelphia Eagles. Instead, he lasted three seasons after his three-year plan became a disaster instead.
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There are plenty of young offensive and defensive coordinators in the league. That is not the issue. The idea is to find the right young coordinator who will transform a roster. Like McVay. And Shanahan. Yeah, that guy.
You can’t just point out a guy and say he will do, he’s young, his offense or defense did pretty well this year. And besides, he won’t cost much in the beginning, and if he does well, we will pay him bank then and only then. But for now, prove yourself and your schemes.
The list for interviews with candidates for the head coaching job in Arizona is pretty lengthy. We get the “no stone unturned” approach, and it is much better than throwing darts and making a decision.
How about a prospect that hasn’t been discussed? A good quality proven coach? One that could transform the offense immediately?
Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers is a very good, offensive-minded coach. This year, Green Bay ranked #15 in overall offense and was ranked #5 last season. QB injuries and rushing issues hurt their offensive production this year, but otherwise, they are a Top-5 offense most years.
Could he become the next Arizona head coach?
One thing you should know first – he is still under contract with the Packers. Yeah, that. But something isn’t jelling right in Green Bay regarding LaFleur. Something that just might mean he could possibly become available if the right set of circumstances pop up.
2026 is the final year of LaFleur’s contract. He was originally hired beginning with the 2019 NFL season after being the OC with the Tennessee Titans. He signed an extension in 2022. There have been discussions about a new deal, but with tangles. Lots of tangles.
The Packers front office has complete trust in LaFleur, but money appears to be the roadblock going forward.
Green Bay president and CEO Ed Policy is sold on LaFleur being the head coach, but is not happy with the current head coaching salaries that are bouncing around. He mentioned the capital that the New York Football Giants are about to shell out in order to sign John Harbaugh, which is reported to being about $20 million a year. Policy just isn’t interested in paying the price of business of extending NFL head coaches in this era.
And that may mean that LaFleur will coach all season long without a new contract. Or perhaps, the team will allow LaFleur to seek other options.
Enter the Arizona Cardinals.
Arizona is ripe for a great offensive mind to...
