The Arizona Cardinals have a new head coach in Mike LaFleur and a handful of new player personnel that should create a new trajectory for the franchise. With that being said, LaFleur obviously seems antsy in press conferences and when talking to media reporters. LaFleur's desire to say the right things and posture the right attitude is apparent in his temperament. However, with tons of NFL experience, LaFleur should minimize his efforts to prove himself with his speech because he will be able to do so once he perfects the playbook.
Last week, general manager Monti Ossenfort and LaFleur gave reporters countless rebuttals, helping them form ideas about the direction of the franchise and their decision-making during the 2026 NFL draft. Still, LaFleur and Ossenfort can only convey their ideals. Meanwhile, as Cardinals’ fans heal from the empty promises of former head coach Jonathan Gannon and consecutive years of turmoil, it’s fair to assume that empty words won’t suffice the locals of Phoenix, AZ. LaFleur doesn’t have the innate vocal cords that demand the attention of mighty men, nor does he have the stature, so his leadership might best be displayed in exhibiting his football knowledge to optimize the Cardinals' offense. LaFleur has weapons at his disposal in wide receiver Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr. and All-Pro tight end Trey McBride, but establishing the teams’ rushing attack will be a task, one that may rely on coaching tactics and talent.
Which personnel groups will LaFleur favor in 2026? Will the Cardinals use more two-tight-end sets? These are questions that LaFleur is not fully able to answer definitively, and Ossenfort seems to have personnel ideas that he wants LaFleur to implement before committing to a particular play style. LaFleur ultimately has to understand; given the hierarchy breakdown of football administration within the Cardinals’ franchise, LaFleur is unlikely to experience a huge amount of autonomy in 2026. LaFleur wasn't the offensive play-caller under Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay last season, so placing autonomy in his hands indisputably seems a bit forward. However, LaFleur can sway Ossenfort to loosen the grip of his dogmatic ways by introducing dynamic plays that push the current talents within the franchise to higher production. Rookie camp for the Cardinals begins on May. 8 and LaFleur will have to build his rapport up organically despite his renown with other franchises leaguewide.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals' Mike LaFleur can perfect the playbook to prove his worth