Robert Saleh, former head coach of the New York Jets, is back on the field, aiding Matt LaFleur with a "fluid" role in the Packers' practice on Wednesday.
Just over two weeks after Jets fired Robert Saleh, he found himself on the Green Bay Packers’ practice field, taking on a new role.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who credits Saleh for helping him break into NFL coaching, invited his longtime friend to assist the team. Saleh, known for his defensive expertise, spent the early portion of practice observing the offense.
“Yeah, I think it helps,” LaFleur said. “Having a defensive mind talking offense and helping us with things he might be able to see, kind of similar scheme stuff, things the defense might be looking for, it helps.”
LaFleur further emphasized Saleh’s value: “I think he’s got an elite defensive mind. But that’s why I want him on the offensive side, so he can help us attack the defenses.” Saleh’s role with the Packers, though undefined, is meant to be supportive as LaFleur continues to trust in his friend’s insights.
Matt LaFleur and Robert Saleh go way back, having forged a friendship in 2008 when Saleh convinced then-Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak to bring LaFleur onboard as an offensive assistant. T
heir bond grew so strong that LaFleur was the best man at Saleh’s wedding. Saleh later hired Mike LaFleur, Matt’s brother, as his offensive coordinator with the Jets.
Despite their history, the two agreed not to discuss Aaron Rodgers during the offseason when the Jets and Packers negotiated a trade. The decision was out of respect for their friendship, leaving the conversation to the general managers.
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Saleh’s current position with the Packers remains a temporary arrangement, with LaFleur noting that the situation is fluid. “I’d say it’s pretty fluid,” LaFleur explained, indicating Saleh may be around for a short time or possibly longer, depending on circumstances.
Saleh, staying at LaFleur’s house for now, hasn’t committed to any long-term role with the team.
Following his firing from the Jets, there were rumors that it came after an Aaron Rodgers-Woody Johnson meeting, but Saleh has not spoken publicly about the matter since. LaFleur was quick to reach out to Saleh after his firing, offering him a chance to stay involved in football, though he initially encouraged him to take some time away from the game.
However, Saleh didn’t stay away for long, telling NFL Insider Mike Silver that despite his original plan to join the hiring cycle for a defensive coordinator position in 2025, he couldn’t resist the opportunity to help LaFleur and the Packers.
LaFleur believes the collaboration will benefit both parties, providing the Packers with Saleh’s valuable defensive insights and helping Saleh prepare for his next coaching opportunity.
“I think it’s a good opportunity for him to learn and also for him to help us and give us perspective on how teams might see us. How they might defend us,” LaFleur added.
Robert Saleh’s tenure with the Jets ended on a disappointing note. After a 2-3 start to the season, Woody Johnson made the decision to part ways with him. The move came after high expectations for the season, especially with the return of Aaron Rodgers, who suffered a devastating Achilles injury in the opener.
In his time with the Jets, Saleh posted a 20-36 record, one of the worst in the franchise’s history, never managing to take the team to the playoffs. While Saleh’s time as a head coach was challenging, LaFleur’s confidence in him shows that his career in the NFL is far from over.
Some coaches thrive as coordinators, and Saleh seems to fit that mold. Though Robert Saleh and Packers fans might see him on the practice field now, his true strength remains in his ability to devise defensive strategies, ensuring he’ll always have a spot in the NFL.
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