Mike LaFleur Bio, Age, Height, Wife Lauren, Brother Matt, Net Worth & Cardinals Head Coach

Michael Dennis LaFleur has officially emerged from his older brother’s shadow to claim his place among the NFL’s elite coaching ranks. On February 1, 2026, the 38-year-old offensive mastermind was named head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, capping a remarkable 12-year journey from small-college quarterback to the leader of an NFL franchise. With a five-year contract reportedly worth over $25 million, LaFleur brings the innovative offensive philosophy he honed under Sean McVay’s Los Angeles Rams to a rebuilding Cardinals squad. Married to his college sweetheart Lauren since 2010, with two children and the distinction of being part of football’s most prominent coaching brother duo alongside Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, Mike represents the next generation of NFL leadership—technically sophisticated, emotionally intelligent, and ready to build his own legacy in the unforgiving NFC West.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Family Background

Birth and Upbringing

Michael Dennis LaFleur was born on March 3, 1987, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, a small city in the central part of the state. He grew up in a football family where the sport was essentially a birthright. His father, Denny LaFleur, had played linebacker at Central Michigan University and was part of their 1974 national championship team. His older brother Matt, born November 3, 1979, was eight years his senior and would blaze the trail that Mike would eventually follow.

The LaFleur household was steeped in football strategy and competition. Growing up with a father who played at the collegiate level and a brother who would become an NFL head coach created an environment where football IQ was developed from an early age.

High School Years

Mount Pleasant High School, Michigan

• Sports: Football, basketball, baseball (three-sport athlete)
• Football position: Quarterback
• Leadership: Team captain
• Accomplishment: Led team to state championship game

LaFleur’s multi-sport background would later inform his coaching philosophy, giving him perspective on athlete development across different competitive environments.

College Playing Career (2005-2008)

Elmhurst University (formerly Elmhurst College)

LaFleur attended Elmhurst University, a Division III school in Elmhurst, Illinois, where he demonstrated versatility and intelligence on the field:

2006-2007: Quarterback

• Started at quarterback for the Bluejays
• Showed leadership and football acumen
• Developed understanding of offensive systems

2008: Safety

• Moved to defense, started all 10 games at safety
• Demonstrated versatility and football IQ
• Team captain and three-time letter winner

Academic Achievement:

• Graduated with Bachelor’s degree
• Balanced athletics and academics
• Met future wife Lauren during college years

The experience of playing both quarterback and safety gave LaFleur a comprehensive understanding of offensive and defensive concepts that would prove invaluable in his coaching career.

Coaching Career Journey

Early Coaching Years (2009-2013)

Elmhurst University (2009)

• Position: Offensive assistant
• Age: 22 (immediately after graduation)
• Focus: Working with offensive unit, learning coaching fundamentals

Saint Joseph’s College, Indiana (2010-2012)

• 2010: Quarterbacks coach
• 2011-2012: Offensive coordinator (promoted after one year)
• Age: 23-25
• Responsibility: Full play-calling duties, offensive system design

Davidson College (2013)

• Position: Offensive coordinator, quarterbacks coach, wide receivers coach
• Level: Division I (FCS)
• Age: 26
• Challenge: First Division I coaching position, multiple positional responsibilities

These five years of small-college coaching provided LaFleur with extensive experience in offensive system design, player development, and the grind of college football coaching.

NFL Career (2014-Present)

Cleveland Browns (2014)

Position: Offensive coaching intern
Head Coach: Mike Pettine
Offensive Coordinator: Kyle Shanahan
Age: 27

The Connection:
LaFleur’s brother Matt had worked with Kyle Shanahan at the Houston Texans and Washington Redskins. Shanahan knew of Mike through Matt and felt they could develop the same chemistry that had worked with his brother. This family connection opened the door to LaFleur’s NFL career.

“Shanahan knew of Mike through his brother and felt they could have the same type of chemistry on the staff.” — Yahoo Sports, 2026

Atlanta Falcons (2015-2016)

Position: Offensive assistant
Head Coach: Dan Quinn
Offensive Coordinator: Kyle Shanahan
Age: 28-29

Highlights:

• 2016: Falcons reached Super Bowl LI (lost to Patriots 28-34 in historic comeback)
• Worked with MVP Matt Ryan and historic offense
• Part of offensive staff that produced league’s highest-scoring unit

San Francisco 49ers (2017-2020)

2017-2018: Passing game coordinator & wide receivers coach

• Head Coach: Kyle Shanahan
• Age: 30-31
• Worked with emerging quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo

2019-2020: Passing game coordinator (focused role)

• 2019: 49ers reached Super Bowl LIV (lost to Chiefs)
• Wes Welker hired as WR coach, allowing LaFleur to focus on passing game coordination
• January 2020: Agreed to contract extension with 49ers (reported by Adam Schefter)

Age: 32-33

New York Jets (2021-2022)

Position: Offensive coordinator
Head Coach: Robert Saleh (followed from 49ers)
Age: 34-35

Tenure:

• 2021: 4-13 record with rookie QB Zach Wilson
• 2022: Started 7-4, then lost six straight games to finish 7-10
• Controversy: In final three losses, Jets failed to score a touchdown
• January 11, 2023: Parted ways with Jets after second season

Play-calling duties: Full offensive control, first time calling plays in NFL

Assessment:
The Jets tenure was mixed—showed ability to develop offensive scheme but struggled with in-game adjustments and quarterback development. The collapse in final six games of 2022 raised questions about his readiness for head coaching duties.

Los Angeles Rams (2023-2026)

Position: Offensive coordinator
Head Coach: Sean McVay
Age: 36-38

The Rebound:
LaFleur joined the Rams on January 27, 2023, reuniting with the offensive philosophy he learned under Kyle Shanahan (McVay and Shanahan share a coaching tree from Washington).

Three-Season Results:

2025 Offensive Dominance:

• 1st in points per game (30+)
• 1st in yards per game (nearly 400 total)
• 1st in total yards per play
• 1st in passing yards per game
• 1st in first downs per game
• 4th in red-zone efficiency

matthew stafford’s MVP-caliber season under LaFleur’s coordination:

• 4th-most passing yards of Stafford’s career
• Career-high efficiency metrics

Play-calling arrangement: Sean McVay called plays, but LaFleur heavily involved in game planning and situational strategy.

Arizona Cardinals Head Coach (2026-Present)

Hired: February 1, 2026
Contract: Five-year deal (financial terms not disclosed, estimated $5-6 million annually)
Age: 38 (turns 39 March 3, 2026)
** replaces**: Jonathan Gannon (fired January 5, 2026 after 15-36 record)

Inheritance:

• 3-14 record (2025 season)
• 3rd overall pick in 2026 NFL Draft
• Quarterback uncertainty (Kyler Murray’s future in doubt)
• Young talent: Trey McBride (TE), Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR), Paris Johnson Jr. (LT)
• Last playoff appearance: 2021
• Last playoff win: 2015 NFC Championship Game run

Challenges:

• Rebuild 19th-ranked offense (2025)
• Fix 27th-ranked defense
• Develop or acquire franchise quarterback
• Compete in NFL’s toughest division (NFC West produced three playoff teams in 2025)

LaFleur’s statement:

“I couldn’t be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and am beyond grateful to Michael (Bidwill) and Monti (Ossenfort) for this opportunity. Having competed against them in the NFC so many times in recent years, I know the type of talent and toughness the team has and cannot wait to get to Arizona to hit the ground running.”

Personal Life

Marriage to Lauren LaFleur

Wedding: July 2010
Meeting: College sweethearts (met at Elmhurst University)
Duration: 15+ years of marriage (as of 2026)

Children: Two children (names and ages not publicly disclosed to maintain privacy)

Family Life:
The LaFleurs have maintained a relatively private family life despite the public nature of NFL coaching. Lauren has supported Mike’s career through numerous relocations and the demands of professional football.

Brother: Matt LaFleur

Matt LaFleur (born November 3, 1979) – 8 years older than Mike

Current Position: Head Coach, Green Bay Packers (since 2019)
Age: 46 (as of January 2026)

Matt’s Career:

• Western Michigan and Saginaw Valley State quarterback
• Brief playing career in National Indoor Football League
• Coaching career: Texans, Redskins, Falcons, Rams, Titans OC, Packers head coach
• Packers record: 56-27 regular season (as of January 2025)
• Contract: $5 million annually (renegotiated from initial $4 million)

Brother Dynamic:

• First brothers to serve as NFL head coaches simultaneously since the Harbaughs (Jim and John)
• Will coach in same division (NFC West vs. NFC North), but not direct rivals in 2026
• Both products of Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay coaching tree
• Matt blazed trail that Mike followed

Father: Denny LaFleur

• Played linebacker at Central Michigan
• National champion (1974)
• Instilled football passion in both sons

Coaching Tree Connections

LaFleur is part of the prestigious Sean McVay coaching tree, which includes:

• Zac Taylor (Bengals head coach)
• Matt LaFleur (Packers head coach – his brother)
• Kevin O’Connell (Vikings head coach)
• Brandon Staley (former Chargers head coach)
• Liam Coen (Jaguars head coach)

He also worked under Kyle Shanahan, whose tree includes:

• Matt LaFleur
• Mike McDaniel (Dolphins head coach)
• Mike LaFleur himself

Physical Statistics

Quotes

1. On Becoming Cardinals Head Coach:

“I couldn’t be more fired up to become the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and am beyond grateful to Michael (Bidwill) and Monti (Ossenfort) for this opportunity.”

2. On His Coaching Philosophy:

“In his career, Mike has been around some of the best and brightest coaches in football and has been a key contributor to highly successful teams. He understands what winning football looks like and what it takes to achieve it.” — Monti Ossenfort, Cardinals GM

3. On Leaving the Rams:

(Implied through actions) After three successful seasons and an NFC Championship Game appearance, ready for head coaching opportunity.

4. On His Brother Matt:

No direct quotes found, but has followed similar career path from position coach to coordinator to head coach.

5. On the NFC West:

“Having competed against them in the NFC so many times in recent years, I know the type of talent and toughness the team has.”

Favorites

Salary & Net Worth

Current Net Worth (2026)

Estimated Net Worth: $3-5 million (pre-Cardinals head coach contract)

Income Evolution

College Coaching (2009-2013):

• Estimated $30,000-$60,000 annually
• Total: ~$150,000-$250,000

NFL Assistant (2014-2020):

• Browns intern (2014): ~$50,000
• Falcons assistant (2015-2016): $100,000-$200,000/year
• 49ers assistant (2017-2020): $200,000-$400,000/year
• Total assistant earnings: ~$800,000-$1.5 million

Jets Offensive Coordinator (2021-2022):

• Estimated $800,000-$1.2 million/year
• Total: ~$1.6-$2.4 million

Rams Offensive Coordinator (2023-2026):

• Estimated $1.5-$2 million/year
• Total: ~$4.5-$6 million

Cardinals Head Coach (2026-):

• Estimated $5-6 million/year (five-year deal = $25-30 million total)
• Comparable to brother Matt’s $5 million Packers salary

Brother Comparison

Mike’s net worth will likely match or exceed his brother’s within 2-3 years of head coaching.

Contract Details

Cardinals Contract (2026):

• Length: 5 years
• Estimated Value: $25-30 million
• Annual Average: $5-6 million
• Guarantees: Not publicly disclosed
• Incentives: Likely includes playoff bonuses, division title bonuses, Coach of the Year awards

Interesting Facts

1. First NFL Job Through Brother: Got foot in door with Browns because Kyle Shanahan knew his brother Matt from Texans/Redskins days.
2. Three-Sport Athlete: Played football, basketball, and baseball in high school—rare for NFL coaches who typically specialize early.
3. Division III to NFL: Only 12 years from D-III quarterback to NFL head coach—remarkably rapid ascent.
4. Super Bowl Losses: Part of offensive staff for two Super Bowl losers (2016 Falcons, 2019 49ers)—motivation to win as head coach.
5. Jets Collapse: 2022 six-game losing streak to end season raised doubts about readiness; three years with Rams rebuilt reputation.
6. McVay’s Shadow: Didn’t call plays for Rams (McVay did)—must prove he can run full offense as head coach.
7. NFC West Circle: Coached for 49ers and Rams, now coaches Cardinals—all NFC West rivals.
8. Quarterback Developer: Worked with Matt Ryan (MVP), Jimmy Garoppolo, Zach Wilson (bust), Matthew Stafford (MVP-caliber)—mixed results.
9. Youngest Cardinals Coach: At 38, one of youngest head coaches in NFL (only older than Sean McVay, Kevin Stefanski, etc.).
10. Brother vs. Brother: First time brothers served as NFL head coaches simultaneously since Jim and John Harbaugh.

Did You Know?

• Mike LaFleur was hired by the Cleveland Browns in 2014 as an intern through his brother Matt’s connection to Kyle Shanahan.
• He played quarterback and safety at Division III Elmhurst University, showing versatility that informs his coaching.
• LaFleur was part of two Super Bowl teams that lost (2016 Falcons, 2019 49ers) before getting his head coaching chance.
• He called plays for the Jets (2021-2022) but did not call plays for the Rams—Sean McVay retained those duties.
• The 2025 Rams offense under LaFleur ranked #1 in points and yards in the NFL.
• He married his wife Lauren in July 2010, before his NFL career began, and they have two children together.
• LaFleur is 8 years younger than his brother Matt, who became Packers head coach in 2019.
• He followed Kyle Shanahan to three different teams: Browns (2014), Falcons (2015-2016), and 49ers (2017-2020).
• The Cardinals hired him on February 1, 2026, with a five-year contract to replace fired coach Jonathan Gannon.
• He is the sixth head coaching product of Sean McVay’s coaching tree.

Social Media and Public Presence

Official:

• Arizona Cardinals Profile: https://www.azcardinals.com
• Twitter/X: Not publicly active (personal account)
• Instagram: Private personal account

Media Availability:

• Regular press conferences as Cardinals head coach (beginning February 2026)
• NFL Network and ESPN appearances as Rams coordinator (2023-2026)
• Local Los Angeles media during Rams tenure

Public Persona:

• Professional, detail-oriented
• Credits mentors and family
• Focuses on football specifics rather than personal life
• Maintains privacy around family

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How old is Mike LaFleur?
A: Mike LaFleur is 38 years old, born on March 3, 1987. He will turn 39 in March 2026, making him one of the youngest head coaches in the NFL.

Q: Is Mike LaFleur related to Matt LaFleur?
A: Yes, Mike LaFleur is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. Matt is 8 years older (born November 3, 1979). They are the first brothers to serve as NFL head coaches simultaneously since Jim and John Harbaugh.

Q: What is Mike LaFleur’s new job?
A: On February 1, 2026, Mike LaFleur was hired as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals on a five-year contract. He previously served as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams (2023-2026), New York Jets (2021-2022), and San Francisco 49ers (2017-2020).

Q: What is Mike LaFleur’s net worth?
A: As of 2026, Mike LaFleur’s estimated net worth is $3-5 million. This will increase significantly with his new Cardinals head coach contract, which is estimated at $5-6 million annually (comparable to his brother Matt’s $5 million Packers salary).

Q: Who is Mike LaFleur’s wife?
A: Mike LaFleur has been married to Lauren LaFleur since July 2010. They met as college sweethearts at Elmhurst University and have two children together. The family maintains a private life away from media attention.

Q: What teams has Mike LaFleur coached for?
A: LaFleur’s NFL coaching career includes: Cleveland Browns (2014 intern), Atlanta Falcons (2015-2016 offensive assistant), San Francisco 49ers (2017-2020 passing game coordinator/WR coach), New York Jets (2021-2022 offensive coordinator), Los Angeles Rams (2023-2026 offensive coordinator), and now Arizona Cardinals (2026-present head coach).

Q: Did Mike LaFleur call plays for the Rams?
A: No, Sean McVay called plays for the Rams during LaFleur’s three seasons as offensive coordinator (2023-2026). LaFleur was heavily involved in game planning and offensive scheme design, but McVay retained play-calling duties. LaFleur did call plays during his Jets tenure (2021-2022).

Q: What is Mike LaFleur’s coaching philosophy?
A: LaFleur runs a Shanahan/McVay-style offense emphasizing zone-running schemes, play-action passing, bootlegs, and intermediate passing routes. He values versatile players, pre-snap motion, and creating mismatches through formation and personnel groupings.

Conclusion

Mike LaFleur’s journey from Division III quarterback to NFL head coach represents the modern coaching archetype: technically sophisticated, strategically innovative, and perpetually evolving. At just 38 years old, he has already contributed to two Super Bowl teams, coordinated the NFL’s #1 offense, and now commands his own franchise in the league’s most competitive division.

The Arizona Cardinals represent both opportunity and challenge—a rebuilding roster with the #3 overall pick, quarterback uncertainty, and the weight of a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2015. But LaFleur brings the offensive pedigree of the Rams’ juggernaut, the teaching ability honed through 12 years of coaching, and the family football DNA that produced his successful brother Matt.

Whether he can translate coordinator success into head coaching victories remains to be seen, but LaFleur has earned his shot through persistence, adaptability, and offensive excellence. The NFC West just became a family affair, with the LaFleur brothers now coaching on opposite coasts, each trying to build their own legacy while honoring the football lineage that brought them both to this moment.

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