Cards' LaFleur says he'll call plays as QB decision looms - ESPN

TEMPE, Ariz. — Mike LaFleur will follow in the footsteps of his older brother, Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur, and call offensive plays while handling the duties as the new head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

LaFleur made the announcement Tuesday during his introductory news conference at the Cardinals' headquarters in Tempe, Arizona.

Who will run the plays that LaFleur calls, however, is still to be determined.

LaFleur replaced Jonathan Gannon, who was fired on Jan. 5 after going 3-14 this season. He said he talked with quarterback Kyler Murray on Sunday and described their conversation as «good,» though he said the conversations regarding Murray and the rest of the roster were to begin in earnest Tuesday afternoon.

While he didn't directly address Murray's future with the franchise, LaFleur said facing Murray during the five years they were both in NFC West together was «never fun.»

«I have a lot of respect for him as a player,» LaFleur said. «Having the five years having to go against him, a lot of respect for him as a player and he was never a fun challenge to go against.»

Murray, who has already been guaranteed $39.8 million for 2026, and his backup, Jacoby Brissett, are both under contract for 2026. However, with Murray due another $17 million guaranteed for 2027 on the fifth day of the league year in March, Arizona will need to decide by then if Murray is the long-term quarterback as he enters his eighth season with just one playoff appearance.

Working with an offensive-minded coach was music to the ears of wide receiver Michael Wilson, who was in attendance Tuesday. As part of a talented pass-catching trio that includes Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight end Trey McBride, Wilson said he was «excited to get with