Packers HC Matt LaFleur explains decision to hire Robert Saleh and outlines his role on coaching staff
It's official, Robert Saleh is now a part of the Green Bay Packers coaching staff. Two weeks after being fired by the New York Jets, the former head coach was hired by Matt LaFleur in a consultant role. However, LaFleur decided to use Saleh's mind on the offense. "He's helping us on the offensive side […]
It's official, Robert Saleh is now a part of the Green Bay Packers coaching staff. Two weeks after being fired by the New York Jets, the former head coach was hired by Matt LaFleur in a consultant role. However, LaFleur decided to use Saleh's mind on the offense.
"He's helping us on the offensive side of the ball. That's always a good deal to have that perspective, that defensive perspective on that side of the ball," LaFleur explained. "So, just taking a look at some of the things we're doing."
LaFleur said it's going to be a fluid role. Saleh wants to spend more time with his family, but he will help the staff throughout the rest of the season in a limited capacity.
"It's a good opportunity for him to learn and also for him to help us, give us perspective on how teams might see us, on how they might defend us," LaFleur added. "Certainly can find holes or some vulnerabilities in the defense that we're playing. That's how we're gonna use him."
How it happened
Robert Saleh was fired by the Jets on October 8, two weeks ago. LaFleur and Saleh have been close friends since they were roommates at Central Michigan. So LaFleur immediately reached out to see how his friend was doing and offering the opportunity.
"He's one of my closest friends. We immediately talked, I didn't try to put any pressure on him whatsoever. I just said 'Hey, if you want to stay involved or whatever', the opportunity would be here if he wanted it," LaFleur said. "It speaks to how much he loves the game of football, it's tough when it's taken away from you. I don't think it was the right decision, but that's not for me to say."
Offensive choice
LaFleur doesn't want to touch what's happening on defense. The head coach thinks defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and the position coaches are doing a great job, so it wouldn't make sense to add another voice in the room.
"I don't want to do that. Haff and our defensive staff have a great thing going right now. I totally trust them," LaFleur stressed. "It's year 1, he's kinda got to go through it himself, so I don't want to do that."
Robert Saleh is 45 years old and he's been in the NFL since 2005. He's worked with the Houston Texans (where he helped Matt LaFleur get his first NFL job), Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and San Francisco 49ers (where he was a defensive coordinator and worked alongside Jeff Hafley). He was the head coach for the Jets for three full seasons, plus five weeks in 2024.
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