PHOENIX (AZFamily) — New Arizona Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur is giving insight on what culture and play style he’s looking to build in the desert as the upcoming NFL season is just months away.
LaFleur says the team is focused on building a strong foundation during organized team activities as he enters his first season leading the franchise.
LaFleur, who has been in Arizona for a few months, said general manager Monti Ossenfort has assembled quality personnel throughout the organization.
“What Monti has built here in terms of just the people. And not even just the players, but just this whole building,” LaFleur said. “You can’t do anything until you surround yourself with good people. And I think he’s done that throughout this building, throughout the locker room.”
The Cardinals have held nine practices, with two more scheduled for next week during minicamp before the team breaks for the offseason.
Offensive philosophy
LaFleur described his offensive approach as “the illusion of complexity” that blends run and pass concepts.
“It’s that marriage of the run and pass where before that ball is snapped, like what are they going to do?” LaFleur said. “That’s what you’re always striving to.”
The head coach said the team is emphasizing pre-snap operations and how players get to the line of scrimmage.
“You can tell when a team is buttoned up and sharp,” LaFleur said. “Every day right now, it’s like, it’s not good enough yet, guys. It’s not good. And that’s okay. I knew that, you know, it’s a process there.”
LaFleur served as offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams for three seasons before joining Arizona. He said the Cardinals offense will share foundational elements with the Rams, San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers.
“We all come from the same tree, if you will,” LaFleur said. “But like all those other places, like Arizona, you’ve got to fit it to what these players can do.”
Coaching staff
Nathaniel Hackett joined the Cardinals as offensive coordinator. Hackett previously served as offensive coordinator during LaFleur’s brother Matt’s first three years with the Packers.
“We’ve known Hackett for a long time,” LaFleur said. “He brings such a good spirit, not just for the offense, but just for the building, the coaching staff, everyone around. He is an awesome, awesome dude.”
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