Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur is one of 10 new head coaches in the league this year. While the offense looks better in two preseason games for the Cardinals, they are still the team projected to win the fewest games.
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks ranked the 10 new head coaches in terms of who will win the most games in 2026.
As you might expect, LaFleur is not at the top and isn't even close to the top. Brooks ranked LaFleur ninth, ahead of only Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley.
The energetic head coach will try to resurrect a team with one playoff appearance in the past decade by establishing a demanding culture with positive vibes. Although LaFleur will eventually need to identify and develop a franchise quarterback for the Cardinals to climb the ranks in the NFC, he takes over an offense that has a handful of dynamic playmakers (rookie RB Jeremiyah Love, young WRs Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr., and first-team All-Pro TE Trey McBride) to build around. Additionally, he must find a way to help the defense play with the fundamentals and fanatical effort that limit explosive plays and create the turnovers needed to tilt the game in Arizona's favor. While the Cardinals look short-handed on paper -- especially in a division that features the reigning Super Bowl champion Seahawks, as well as the extremely talented Rams and 49ers -- LaFleur's juice and enthusiasm could help the team exceed expectations in Year 1.
The offense might be better. The questions are about the defense. It was one of the worst units in the NFL last season, they retained defensive coordinator Nick Rallis and didn't make significant additions in the offseason to improve.
They might just end up being an exciting bad team.
But that means LaFleur won't get many wins in 2026.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals HC Mike LaFleur near bottom of HC win projections