Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh has quickly returned to the NFL, this time in a different capacity. On Wednesday, October 23, Saleh was seen at Green Bay Packers practice. After the session, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Saleh’s new role as a consultant—surprisingly, not for defense but for offense.
“We’ve been close for a long time; we were even roommates back at Central Michigan,” LaFleur explained. “We thought bringing him in would be beneficial, especially to provide a defensive perspective on our offense. I think that kind of insight is invaluable.”
Saleh’s Role Is Flexible After Jets Firing
Though Saleh doesn’t yet have an official title with the Packers, LaFleur emphasized that the arrangement is open-ended.
“I’d say it’s fluid,” LaFleur commented. “He’s spending time with his family, but things are flexible in terms of his role here.”
Saleh was fired by the Jets after a Week 5 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, a move that LaFleur quickly responded to by offering him a spot in Green Bay. Despite originally advising Saleh to take time away from football, LaFleur said Saleh couldn’t stay away from the game.
Initially, Saleh had told NFL Insider Mike Silver that he planned to avoid mid-season roles and wait until 2025 for a defensive coordinator position. However, the allure of football proved too strong for him to resist.
“I think this is a great opportunity for him to learn and also to help us,” LaFleur added. “He’s providing valuable insights on how opposing teams might approach us and pointing out vulnerabilities in our defense.”
Saleh’s Future in the NFL After Jets Tenure
Firing a head coach just five games into the season might seem premature, but in Saleh’s case, the decision was easier to justify. Despite the questionable timing, the move reflected Saleh’s shortcomings as a head coach. With a 20-36 record, Saleh ended his tenure with the third-worst winning percentage in Jets history.
Though his head coaching stint with the Jets may not have worked out, Saleh remains highly respected as a defensive strategist. While he may not be suited for a head coaching role, his future as a top-tier defensive mind in the NFL is secure. As long as he wants to stay in the game, Saleh will always have opportunities on the defensive side of the ball.
