Robert Saleh has arrived.
Oh, the New York Jets. Matt LaFleur didn’t sound too impressed when they fired Robert Saleh two weeks ago. But New York’s loss is the Green Bay Packers’ gain.
While seemingly every former Packers player is following Aaron Rodgers to the Jets, his former head coach has gone in the other direction.
Saleh attended Packers practice on Wednesday, and now we know why. Following practice, LaFleur revealed that he is helping out as a consultant on offense, not defense.
“We’ve been close for a really long time. Shoot, we were roomates together back at Central Michigan,” said LaFleur. “Thought it was a good idea to bring him here. He’s helping us on the offensive side of the ball. I think it’s always a good deal to have that defensive perspective on that side of the ball.”
LaFleur wouldn’t commit to how long Saleh will be around, calling it a “fluid” situation.
Robert Saleh’s new role is a genius move by Packers coach Matt LaFleur
Packers fans are excited, and for good reason. Bringing in Saleh to help the offense is a genius move by LaFleur. He can provide a new perspective on what LaFleur has cooking on the offensive side of the ball.
“He’s got an elite defensive mind. That’s why I want him on the offensive side so he can help us attack the defenses,” said LaFleur.
LaFleur and Saleh go way back. They were the best men at each other’s weddings and have a great relationship. He also knows Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who was Saleh’s defensive backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers.
It’s a natural fit for Green Bay. Saleh’s tenure as Jets head coach didn’t go as well as he hoped (but it rarely goes well for anyone there), but there’s no denying his ability as a defensive coach. Adding him to the offensive room can help LaFleur and that side of the ball level up.
What must Aaron Rodgers be thinking? The Jets have lost both games since firing Saleh, proving he wasn’t the problem. They are 2-5, and their defense has allowed 60 points in two games without Saleh. Meanwhile, Rodgers’ former team, sitting with a 5-2 record, is bringing in Saleh to help the offense.
LaFleur and Saleh were always going to reunite at some point. It was inevitable. We’re just thankful it’s happening in Green Bay. His ability as a defensive coach will be invaluable to LaFleur to help the offense. It’s a genius move.