His first words were an admission, a promise, a sign of things to come:
“I speak from the heart,” new Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur said.
That will be a welcome change.
And that’s exactly what LaFleur did following his introduction on Tuesday. He navigated an opening statement that went beautifully long, personally thanking and speaking directly to all his mentors, from Sean McVay to Kyle Shanahan, from Robert Saleh to Dan Quinn. It was a soliloquy of gratitude. And it was a brilliant way to underscore the pedigree and selling points he brings to the Cardinals.
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LaFleur’s experience inside the NFC West, where he served as a trusted right-hand man for two of the best coaches in the business, is the single best thing about this hire.
LaFleur was in control of the room on Tuesday. He paid heavy tribute to Michael Bidwill for twice opening his doors for NFC West rivals, once during COVID and once during the California wildfires. Because of that, LaFleur said he already feels at home, that he already knows the layout of the facility, that he almost feels destined to be head coach of the Cardinals.
He seems itching to call plays once again, which is exactly what you’d want to hear from a guy who spent the past three seasons under McVay. On the other hand, it’s late in the game, and it won’t be easy filling his staff with the kind of experience it desperately needs.
But for all the advantages that come with picking fruit from the McVay and/or Shanahan orchard, the stardust of LaFleur’s debut press conference came from the front row of the Cardinals’ auditorium, where 11 members of his family were seated.
That included brother Matt, currently the head coach of the Packers, who flew in from Wisconsin and came away very impressed with his younger brother. It was a tremendous show of solidarity from a very close-knit football family.
“I thought he nailed it, by the way,” said Matt.
No arguments here. LaFleur’s debut was a small victory for the Cardinals, an enchanting afternoon when Disney-like theme music filled the room, adding to the anticipation; when the Bidwill family presented flowers to the female members of the LaFleurs, a surname derived from flowers; and when the new head coach of the Cardinals made a very good impression and strived to make an instant connection with Valley fans, including those very angry with the owner.
“He loves this place,” LaFleur said of Bidwill. “He loves this city. All he wants is a winner.”
He’s not alone. And let’s hope he picked right this time.
Reach Bickley at [email protected]. Listen to Bickley & Marotta weekdays from 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. on Arizona Sports 98.7.
Follow @danbickley
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