Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh will consult with the Packers in a “fluid” role that involves providing a defensive perspective to LaFleur’s offense.
Saleh was at Packers practice Wednesday as LaFleur’s team began on-field preparations for their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
“I thought it would be a good idea to bring him here.” He helps us offensively,” LaFleur said Wednesday. “I think it’s always good to have a defensive perspective on that side of the ball. Just look at some of the things we do.
LaFleur said Saleh, who was released by the Jets two weeks ago, will remain in Green Bay through Thursday and then return home on Friday.
The Packers have tapped former NFL linebacker Aubrey Pleasant in a similar offensive consultant role for the 2022 season.
LaFleur called Saleh an “elite defensive mind” who can lend a hand the Packers “attack defenses.”
“It’s a good opportunity for him to learn something and also help us and give us perspective on how teams might view us and how they might defend us,” LaFleur said. “Of course, we can find gaps or weaknesses in the defense we play. This is how we will use him.”
LaFleur made it clear that Saleh would not be helping defensively. He said he has complete “confidence” in first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who previously worked with Saleh in San Francisco.
“Haf and our defensive staff are doing great,” LaFleur said.
Saleh spent four seasons as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator (2017-2020) and the last four seasons with the Jets as head coach. Over the past six seasons, Salih’s defense has finished in the top 10 in yards allowed five times.
The relationship between LaFleur and Saleh goes back to the same coaching staff at Central Michigan in the early 2000s. They met again with the Houston Texans at the professional level. LaFleur was not only the best man at Saleh’s wedding, but also his close friends.
