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FORMER New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh already has a new job in the NFL.
Saleh was fired by the New York Jets after the team fell to 2-3 on the season.
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Saleh didn’t remain unemployed for long, as the Green Bay Packers were quick to swoop in for his expertise.
While Saleh is known as a defensive coach, he is working with Green Bay’s offense to provide a “different perspective” for the team.
Saleh is close with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who credits Saleh for helping him break into the NFL, and is paying him back with a position on his team.
The former Jets head coach spent time in practice on Wednesday watching the offense of the team and digesting the new system.
“Yeah, I think it helps,” LaFleur said.
“Having a defensive mind talking offense and helping us with things he might be able to see, kind of similar scheme stuff, things the defense might be looking for, it helps.
“I think 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.”
LaFleur said Saleh will work with the team on Thursday in a “fluid” role. Saleh is also staying at LaFleur’s house while working with the Packers.
He also committed to the fact that Saleh won’t work with the Packers’ defense at all in his new role.
“No, 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, so I think it’s Year 1, he’s kind of got to go through it himself. So, I don’t want to do that.”
Saleh was fired on October 8 by Jets owner Woody Johnson after a sluggish start to the season.
He only managed a 20-36 record in three-plus seasons and never made it to the playoffs.
Saleh hasn’t spoken to the media since joining the Packers, with LaFleur saying he needs some time off.
NFL important dates
August 1 – Hall of Fame Game – Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears
August 8 – Pre-season begins
August 27 – Deadline for 53-man rosters
September 1 – Final day of pre-season
September 5 – Season opener – Baltimore Ravens vs Kansas City Chiefs
November 5 – Trade deadline
January 5 – Week 18 of regular-season
January 11 – Playoffs begin
February 9 – Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, Louisiana
“Well, I told him to do that, but he didn’t listen,” LaFleur said.
“So, yeah, I just think it speaks to how much he loves the game of football and was, obviously it’s tough when it gets kind of taken away from you.
“And I don’t think it was the right decision [to fire Saleh], but that’s not for me to say, so.”
Saleh has supporters throughout the building with the Packers, with quarterback Jordan Love even chiming in about the coach.
“Having a defensive mind talking offense and helping us with things he might be able to see, kind of similar scheme stuff, things the defense might be looking for, it helps,” Love said.
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