In a move that has caught many in the NFL by surprise, former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has already found a new home – albeit in an unexpected place. Just over two weeks after being relieved of his duties with the Jets, Saleh was spotted on the practice field with the Green Bay Packers, working closely with head coach Matt LaFleur.
A Fluid Role with a Focus on Offense
While the specifics of Saleh’s new position remain somewhat ambiguous, sources close to the Packers organization have indicated that his role will be “fluid” in nature. Despite Saleh’s extensive background on the defensive side of the ball, he was seen primarily observing and interacting with the offense during Wednesday’s practice session.
According to insiders, Saleh will be working directly with LaFleur, offering a defensive perspective to help enhance the team’s offensive strategies and game planning. As LaFleur handles the play-calling duties for the Packers, Saleh’s insights could prove invaluable in identifying potential weaknesses in opposing defenses.
LaFleur and Saleh: A Friendship Forged in Football
The decision to bring Saleh on board comes as little surprise to those familiar with his long-standing friendship with Matt LaFleur. The two first crossed paths in 2004 as graduate assistants at Central Michigan University, where they shared an apartment with minimal furnishings but a wealth of football knowledge.
We had two beds and a kitchen table, but no chairs. It didn’t matter though, because we were just so excited to be coaching together and learning as much as we could about the game.
– Matt LaFleur, on his early days with Robert Saleh
Their bond only grew stronger over the years, with Saleh even serving as the best man in LaFleur’s wedding. In 2008, it was Saleh who convinced then-Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak to hire LaFleur as an offensive assistant, a move that would launch LaFleur’s career as an offensive guru.
A Short-Term Commitment with Long-Term Implications
For now, Saleh is expected to work with the Packers through Thursday, though the door remains open for a potential longer-term arrangement. Regardless of the duration of his stay, Saleh’s presence alone speaks volumes about the respect and admiration he commands within the coaching community.
As the Packers look to bounce back from a disappointing 2023 campaign, the addition of Robert Saleh – even in a temporary, undefined capacity – could provide the fresh perspective and innovative thinking needed to elevate the team’s performance. While the full impact of Saleh’s contributions remains to be seen, one thing is certain: the football world will be watching closely as this unexpected partnership unfolds.
