Robert Saleh's presence at Packers practice fuels talk of possible assistant role
Right after the New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh, we wrote a piece saying that he could certainly find a role withint the Green Bay Packers coaching staff. The defense is doing just fine with Jeff Hafley, but Matt LaFleur has a close relationship with Saleh, and the Packers hired Aubrey Pleasant mid-season […]
Right after the New York Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh, we wrote a piece saying that he could certainly find a role withint the Green Bay Packers coaching staff. The defense is doing just fine with Jeff Hafley, but Matt LaFleur has a close relationship with Saleh, and the Packers hired Aubrey Pleasant mid-season two years ago to work as a defensive-minded offensive assistant.
Well, there was something to it. On Wednesday, according to Matt Schneidman from The Athletic, Robert Saleh was at the Packers practice. And he was watching the offensive side of the ball.
After practice, Matt LaFleur confirmed that Saleh will be a part of the staff moving forward.
Similar decision
In 2022, the Detroit Lions fired defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant during the season, and Matt LaFleur, who had a previous connection with Pleasant, hired him. It was a low-key position, but Pleasant's defensive mind was helpful for LaFleur to build gameplans.
Andrew Brandt, who was the Packers cap guy before Russ Ball, mentioned on social media that an advisory role could be in play.
Robert Saleh is an experienced defensive coach, and he can certainly help LaFleur to evaluate how opposing defenses see the Packers offense.
Maybe it's a way to keep Saleh around for long-term purposes, or maybe it's just two good friends talking some ball.
We'll understand the situation better after practice, when Matt LaFleur talks to the media.
But it certainly makes sense for all sides, and the Packers could add a smart coach to make the staff even stronger.
Jets’ decision to fire head coach Robert Saleh brings an intriguing opportunity for the Packers
Green Bay could still use Saleh’s defensive expertise
