Matt LaFleur brings in ex-Jets HC Robert Saleh to help at Packers practice

LaFleur added: “He’s got an elite defensive mind. But that’s why I want him on the offensive side, so he can help us attack the defenses.”

Saleh’s presence in Green Bay shouldn’t come as a surprise. He and LaFleur have been longtime friends since working together as Central Michigan University graduate assistants in 2004. Saleh was instrumental in getting LaFleur into the NFL when he was the Houston Texans, who hired him as an offensive assistant in 2008. Saleh also hired LaFleur’s brother, Mike, to be the Jets’ offensive coordinator from 2021-22.

Matt LaFleur, who calls the offensive plays in Green Bay, stressed that he didn’t want Saleh involved in first-year Packers defensive coordinator Tyan Halfey’s work space during his short stay.

“I don’t want to do that,” LaFleur said. “I think Haf and our defensive staff have a great thing going right now. And I totally trust them. It’s Year 1, he’s kind of got to go through it himself.”

Saleh was fired by the Jets on Oct. 8 after a disappointing 2-3 start to his fourth season as head coach. LaFleur said he reached out after his good friend’s dismissal from New York, inviting him to Green Bay if it piqued Saleh’s interest.

“I just think it speaks to how much he loves the game of football,” LaFleur said of Saleh’s visit. “Obviously it’s tough when it gets kind of taken away from you.”

It’s not the first time LaFleur has tabbed a free-agent coach for assistance. Aubrey Pleasant was brought in to help the Packers offense after his in-season dismissal from the Detroit Lions during the 2022 season.

The Packers (5-2), who aren’t scheduled to face the Jets in 2024, look to gain ground within the NFC North this Sunday when they go on the road to face the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5).