Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh was spotted at Green Bay Packers practice on Wednesday, according to Bill Huber of SI.com.
The reason for Saleh’s visit is unknown, but we should get an answer from Matt LaFleur once practice is over. Most likely, Saleh is in town to visit his friend. He and LaFleur are very close, with LaFleur having served as the best man at Saleh’s wedding. Saleh also worked with Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley in San Francisco.
Saleh’s visit may not mean much other than that he has plenty of time on his hands. Saleh, who spent over three seasons coaching in New York, was fired after a 2-3 start to the 2024 season. The firing was abrupt and unexpected but a necessary change, according to Jets owner Woody Johnson.
Unfortunately, Saleh’s firing hasn’t produced its intended results. New York has now lost four games in a row, including the last two games under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. The Jets have struggled mightily on offense this season, ranked 23rd in total offense and 24th in scoring despite being piloted by four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers.
While Saleh’s presence at Packers practice is interesting, it doesn’t necessarily mean he is joining Green Bay’s staff, though it’s not out of the question. After his firing in New York, Saleh expressed his intention to take the rest of the season off before entering the next hiring cycle. Still, his visit gives him a chance to reconnect with LaFleur and share stories about what it was like working with Rodgers.
All jokes aside, we should get more clarity from LaFleur later today.