Matt LaFleur Reflects on Brother Mike LaFleur’s Journey to Becoming Cardinals Head Coach

By Tanner Tortorella | February 4, 2026

GLENDALE, AZ — Tuesday marked a monumental day for the LaFleur family, as the Arizona Cardinals introduced Mike LaFleur as their new head coach. At 38 years old, Mike LaFleur is stepping into the head coaching role after an extensive coaching journey that saw him rise through the ranks of football from humble beginnings at Division III Elmhurst to the pinnacle of coaching in the NFL.

During his introductory press conference, Mike opened up about his path to becoming the Cardinals’ head coach, and throughout his speech, he emphasized the importance of his family in fueling his passion for the game. He specifically highlighted his close relationship with his older brother, Matt LaFleur, the head coach of the Green Bay Packers. The LaFleur family has been a major influence on both brothers’ careers, and Mike made sure to recognize how crucial their bond has been in shaping his love for coaching.

A Close-Knit Family and Friendly Rivalry

When asked by reporters about the possibility of both brothers coaching in the NFL at the same time, Matt couldn’t help but chuckle and use colorful language to describe the pride he felt. The two have always had a friendly rivalry, but it’s clear that Matt is just as proud of his brother’s achievement as Mike is of his. “We’ve always pushed each other,” Matt said with a grin. “It’s been a journey full of competition, but also a lot of love. To see Mike get this opportunity — I couldn’t be happier for him.”

Growing up, both Matt and Mike LaFleur were involved in football from a young age, playing in various roles on their respective teams. Despite their different paths, their shared passion for the game kept them moving in similar directions. They both started their careers at Division II and III colleges, with Matt at Saginaw Valley State and Mike at Elmhurst. Interestingly, both schools had connections to NFL coaching talent, providing the LaFleur brothers with early exposure to the professional coaching world.

Their connection to Central Michigan, the LaFleur family’s favorite college team, was another bonding point for the brothers. Matt has always had the bragging rights of coaching at Central Michigan, a school that played a pivotal role in their football journey during the mid-2000s.

The LaFleur Brothers’ NFL Journey: From Rivals to Allies

In 2008, Matt LaFleur became the first to break into the NFL, landing a job as an offensive quality control coach with the Houston Texans. Mike, ever eager to follow in his brother’s footsteps, joined the Cleveland Browns at age 27, two years younger than Matt when he entered the league. Both brothers were determined to make their mark, and their sibling rivalry pushed them to continuously strive for greater success in their careers.

While Matt took his time navigating through different coaching roles with teams like the Tennessee Titans and Los Angeles Rams, Mike was also moving up the ranks. The brothers had a unique opportunity to work together during the 2015-2016 NFL seasons when they both found themselves on the coaching staff of the Atlanta Falcons. Mike called this experience one of the best in his career, describing it as an invaluable chance to work alongside his brother and learn from his growing expertise.

Taking Big Strides: Matt LaFleur to Packers, Mike LaFleur to Rams

As both brothers continued to gain more experience, Matt became the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans and the Los Angeles Rams for one season each before landing the head coaching job with the Green Bay Packers in 2019. Mike, on the other hand, spent four years working under San Francisco 49ers’ head coach Kyle Shanahan, refining his craft before taking over as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2021.

Mike’s time with the Jets helped set him up for his next big opportunity, which came in 2024 when he was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams — a position that had been held by his older brother, Matt, just a few years prior. This opportunity propelled Mike into the head coaching role with the Cardinals, making him the second LaFleur brother to lead an NFL team.

A Shared Dream Realized

The journey that Matt and Mike LaFleur have shared — from their time in college coaching to their individual NFL careers — has been a testament to their drive, determination, and the undeniable bond they share as siblings. While their paths have been distinct, both have reached the pinnacle of coaching, becoming head coaches in the NFL.

Reflecting on this journey, Matt LaFleur expressed nothing but pride for his younger brother. “We’ve been through a lot together,” Matt said. “From our early days in coaching to now, we’ve both worked our tails off to get here. I couldn’t be prouder of Mike for what he’s accomplished.”

As Mike LaFleur embarks on his head coaching career with the Arizona Cardinals, the LaFleur brothers are now two of the most respected names in the NFL coaching world. Their story — one of sibling rivalry, shared experiences, and mutual respect — has inspired not only those in the football community but also fans who have followed their careers.

Looking to the Future

As Mike begins his new role with the Cardinals, he has big shoes to fill but also a solid foundation built on the lessons he’s learned from his brother and many others throughout his career. Meanwhile, Matt continues to lead the Green Bay Packers with a strong focus on success, maintaining a steady hand as his own team strives for championships in the years to come.

The LaFleur brothers’ journey from humble coaching beginnings to becoming NFL head coaches serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of family, hard work, and never giving up on your dreams — a message that will resonate with fans and aspiring coaches alike for years to come.