Robert Saleh joins Matt LaFleur, Packers in 'fluid' role - ESPN

GREEN BAY, Wis. — It did not take Robert Saleh long to find work.

Just over two weeks after being fired by the New York Jets, Saleh was on the Green Bay Packers' practice field Wednesday in a new role.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur, who has credited Saleh for helping him break into the NFL coaching ranks, has enlisted his longtime friend to help with the team.

Saleh spent the early portion of practice watching the offensive side of the ball. Although the former Jets head coach comes from a defensive background, he will work with LaFleur, who calls the offensive plays, and the rest of the offensive staff to offer a defensive perspective.

LaFleur said Saleh will work with the Packers through Thursday this week and called his role «fluid.»

Saleh and LaFleur first worked together at Central Michigan University as graduate assistants in 2004. They shared an apartment that had two beds and a kitchen table but no chairs.

In 2008, Saleh convinced then-Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak to bring LaFleur aboard as an offensive assistant. They're so close that LaFleur was the best man in Saleh's wedding. Saleh once hired LaFleur's brother, Mike, to be his offensive coordinator with the Jets from 2021-22.

Out of respect for their friendship, Saleh said during the 2023 offseason, when the Jets were negotiating trade terms with the Packers to acquire Aaron Rodgers, that he and LaFleur agreed not to discuss the quarterback and to let the general managers of each team handle the trade.

Saleh also previously worked with first-year Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, although he won't be assisting on that side of the ball in Green Bay. Hafley was the 49ers defensive backs coach from 2016-2018. Saleh became the 49ers defensive