Robert Saleh spotted helping NFC contender at practice
Feb 2, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh during Super Bowl LIV against the Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Former New York Jets coach Robert Saleh is back at work, albeit in an unofficial capacity, less than a month after losing his previous job.
Saleh was spotted observing Green Bay Packers practice on Wednesday ahead of the team’s upcoming game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Saleh was helping on the offensive side of the ball despite, or perhaps because of, his defensive background.
“He’s helping us on the offensive side of the ball. I think it’s always good to have that defensive perspective on that side of the ball,” LaFleur said.
The Packers coach said Saleh would be staying through Thursday, and that his role is “fluid.”
“I didn’t try to put any pressure on him whatsoever,” LaFleur said. “I just said, ‘Hey, if you want to stay involved or whatever, the opportunity would be here if you wanted it.’ I told him to (relax) but he didn’t listen. I just think it speaks to how much he loves football.”
Robert Saleh is working with the #Packers, contributing to the offensive side of the ball by using his strong defensive knowledge.
Matt LaFleur said he told Saleh to take a break and go to the beach or something, but this shows how much Saleh loves football.
(ð¥ @Packers) https://t.co/xmh6b5nOXk pic.twitter.com/6N6qFpJ0m5
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 23, 2024
The Jets fired Saleh on Oct. 8 after a 2-3 start to the season. He and LaFleur are longtime friends, and LaFleur was the best man at Saleh’s wedding.
This is a pretty good indication that Saleh has no plans to quit coaching. A full-time job will likely have to wait until 2025, but the Packers are happy to let him stay close to the game until then.
