Tag: Robert Saleh

How Robert Saleh’s idea helped set up explosive play for Packers vs. Bears

Robert Saleh’s consulting work for the Packers helped set up an explosive play for Christian Watson against the Bears.

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Robert Saleh — who is doing consulting work for LaFleur and the Packers offense — provided a useful “nugget” that turned into a big play during Sunday’s win over the Chicago Bears.

According to LaFleur, Saleh suggested a concept after reviewing the Bears defense on tape, and the Packers put in the play into the plan and then executed it for a 25-yard completion to Christian Watson in the third quarter of Sunday’s 20-19 win at Soldier Field.

“That was one play that he wanted the general idea of that, so we implemented it, and it was pretty successful,” LaFleur said.

The explosive play set up the Packers’ go-ahead touchdown run from running back Josh Jacobs. On the play, Watson faked a “stalk” block on the linebacker and then took off on a delayed slot fade, and Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson — who was covering Romeo Doubs on an out-and-up route — didn’t have enough time to get into position to defend the throw from Jordan Love. Watson made the catch inside the 10, and Jacobs scored on the next play to give the Packers a 14-13 lead.

It’s clear Saleh saw something in the tape of the Bears coverage that led him to believe that Johnson would carry the deep post and open up a chance to hit the deep shot into the vacated space.

LaFleur said Saleh — who consults during the work week through Friday — is still only working with the offense.

“He’s doing a great job. He always gives us a nugget,” LaFleur said. “He’s been a great asset.”

The New York Jets fired Saleh — a close friend of LaFleur’s — on Oct. 8. He’s been in helping in Green Bay off and on for the better part of the last month.

The Jets are firing everyone who trusted Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is quickly running out of allies on the Jets.

Once upon a time, the New York Jets brain trust put all of its eggs in the Aaron Rodgers basket. General manager Joe Douglas, who had 20 total wins in four years before acquiring the egotistical four-time MVP, thought Rodgers was his ticket to sustained success. Head coach Robert Saleh, a man who had witnessed the comical foibles of Zach Wilson firsthand, agreed. Despite all the glaring warning signs from a passive-aggressive end to his tenure with the Green Bay Packers, Rodgers was Douglas and Saleh’s golden goose at all costs of their professional reputations and self-respect.

Now, both Douglas and Saleh are unemployed because they gave Rodgers undue faith he didn’t deserve. On Tuesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Jets had fired Douglas just about a month after they jettisoned Saleh for the same “Rodgers let us down … badly” reasons.

If you weren’t born yesterday, you saw this news coming awhile ago:

On some level, I do understand the inclination to label Douglas another Rodgers scapegoat while the woeful Jets flounder. Rodgers is one of the most prominent figures in football history. He has built up such a tremendous cache of goodwill over nearly two decades as a professional quarterback (on the field) that it would probably take a lot for an owner like Woody Johnson to ever (completely) punt on the (imaginary) possibilities he presents.

But I don’t think Douglas is a Rodgers scapegoat that lets the future Hall of Famer get off scot-free for incinerating any hope this Jets regime once had. That sentiment applied much more to Saleh, who was a vessel for Rodgers’ discontent because he had a precedent of showing that he thought he knew better than his coaches over the years. Saleh was someone who never vibed with Rodgers, so the Jets were happy to throw him under the bus without a second thought when their season still, technically, wasn’t over.

At 3-8, Douglas going down with the ship now feels very different. This is the Jets cutting everyone who bought Rodgers’ brazen snake oil loose without a second thought. It’s ownership making a tacit acknowledgment that acquiring a (then) semi-washed diva like Rodgers for multiple high-end draft picks was a mistake which wasted everyone’s time with the organization.

How do I know this for certain?

Well, dearest readers, that’s because Rodgers — a year after tearing his Achilles, mind you — is having the worst statistical season of his career.

Rodgers hasn’t thrown for 300 yards in a game all season. (The last time he threw for 300 yards in a game was in December 2021.) He’s also averaging his lowest yards per attempt and has his lowest passer rating since his two initial non-starter seasons in Green Bay in … 2005 and 2006. This is beyond a quarterback struggling. This is a player who is a hollow husk of the all-world talent he once was, now at the helm of the NFL’s 17th-ranked offense on an expected points added (EPA) per play basis. Any time you might think the Jets have a modicum of hope, at this point, Rodgers throws it away himself.

And I think it’d be silly to assert that Johnson and Jets ownership doesn’t recognize this grim reality. Rodgers will be 42 come December of next year. He has just one year left on his current contract. The Jets, as it stands, have the No. 7 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Given the way Gang Green is in a complete nosedive now, don’t be surprised if that draft selection ends up being a top-five pick with the next Jets regime sticking its neck out for a new young quarterback to develop while Rodgers plays his usual brand of high-profile obscurity. That is, if they even keep him around for another season.

Nonetheless, until Rodgers’ fate is decided, the Jets will offload every way-too-willing sycophant who dared trust him in the first place. Without question. The likely next suspect on the list? Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, who has sworn by Rodgers’ antics for the last half-decade like a lowly barnacle attaches itself to the hull of a well-worn ship.

In the coming weeks, if I were Hackett, I would make sure to have my bags packed. Just in case. The Jets’ purge of everything and everyone even somewhat connected to Rodgers has likely only just begun.

Robert Saleh in Green Bay helping Packers during Bears week

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur will have help from consultant Robert Saleh during preparations for the Chicago Bears this week.

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur will have help from consultant Robert Saleh during preparations for the Chicago Bears this week. LaFleur told Matt Schneidman of The Athletic that Saleh will be in Green Bay for most of the week to help him break down the Bears defense ahead of Sunday’s showdown at Soldier Field.

“He is here this week. He’ll be here through Friday,” LaFleur said. “He’s a good resource to have around. Somebody that I can lean on in terms of a lot of different aspects…He helps me with special projects and always taking a dive into the opposition, the defense we’re getting ready to play, seeing if he can find some holes or some rules — some potential weaknesses in the scheme were about to go against.”

LaFleur confirmed Saleh’s role as a consultant remains “fluid.” He wasn’t around as the Packers prepared to play the Detroit Lions in Week 9, so it’s likely to be a week-to-week proposition. While a long-time defensive coach, Saleh is assisting the Packers offense — providing a defensive perspective as LaFleur puts together a game plan.

The Bears rank seventh in scoring defense, 17th in yards per play allowed, first in passing touchdowns allowed and tied for seventh in takeaways so far in 2024, so LaFleur could use the help from Saleh to unlock Chicago’s defense.

The Packers are 6-3 and coming out of the bye hunting their first division win. LaFleur’s team lost to the Lions and Minnesota Vikings at home during the first nine weeks and are 0-2 overall against the NFC North.

LaFleur also wants to extend his 10-game win streak over the Bears.

“You can definitely feel the intensity,” LaFleur said. “It means a lot because it’s an NFC North opponent. These games always mean a little more.”

Robert Saleh is already coaching with Matt LaFleur’s Packers in an ironic slight to Aaron Rodgers

Robert Saleh is really coaching the Packers. Eat your heart out, Aaron Rodgers.

After Robert Saleh was unceremoniously fired by the New York Jets (for doing his job and falling in line at every turn), it would’ve been easy to assume he would take some time off away from professional football coaching. That’s kinda just what happens when you’re exposed to Aaron Rodgers’ ego and (gestures wildly at everything else). You need to let off some steam that Rodgers’ enablers, er … the Jets would never allow you to.

But that’s not the case.

Earlier this week, Saleh officially joined Matt LaFleur’s Green Bay Packers in a “fluid” role on the coaching staff. LaFleur and Saleh are longtime coaching friends who worked their respective ways up through the NFL ranks together.

While the exact parameters of Saleh’s job with the Packers are unclear (along with how long he’ll stay aboard), he will, funnily enough, stay away from the Green Bay defense.

Nonetheless, the irony here after leaving Rodgers is just WONDERFUL.

More from ESPN’s Rob Demovsky:

“Yeah, I think it [having Saleh around] 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.”

He added, “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 would work the team through Thursday this week and called his role “fluid.” Saleh has been staying at LaFleur’s house this week.

What do you think LaFleur and Saleh have been saying about Rodgers all week? Surely, nothing good or flattering … right? Oh, to be a fly on a wall inside the Packers’ practice facility.

Curse this mortal human vessel, a.k.a. my body.

Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh lands with new team

Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh lands with new team

Robert Saleh has a new team and job.

The name of the new position was not announced but Saleh is now helping out the Green Bay Packers in some capacity.

Saleh was spotted on the sideline during a recent practice in Green Bay. Then Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Saleh, one of his close friends, will be helping out the team’s offense not defense.

According to the Packers’ website, Saleh will at least be with Green Bay through Thursday of this week.

As LaFleur explained, Saleh’s in the building to help with the offense despite his past as a defensive-minded coach like he was with the Jets. The idea is that Saleh will give his perspective on Green Bay’s offense and how a defense might look at it.

Saleh was fired in New York following the team’s 2-3 start to the season. The Jets now sit at 2-5 and have yet to win since he was dismissed.

LaFleur discussing Saleh helping out the Packers can be found in the clip below:

Fired Jets coach Robert Saleh works at Packers practice

Where was Robert Saleh working on Wednesday?

Fired coaches tend not to stay unemployed for long in most sports. The latest example is ex-New York Jets coach Robert Saleh.

Saleh turned up Wednesday on the field at Green Bay Packers practice, working with the offense.

Have to love the coincidence of Saleh, a longtime friend and associate of Packers coach Matt LaFleur, being with Green Bay, the former home of current Jets QB Aaron Rodgers.

“It’s a good opportunity for him and also to give us perspective on how teams might see us, how they might defend us,” LaFleur said of what seems like a part-time role.

The Packers play the Miami Dolphins on Thanksgiving, unfortunately, another AFC East team, the Jets is not on their schedule.

Robert Saleh to consult for Packers, provide defensive perspective for Matt LaFleur’s offense

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh will consult for the Packers in a “fluid” role that involve providing the defensive perspective for LaFleur’s offense.

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh will consult for the Packers in a “fluid” role that involves providing the defensive perspective for LaFleur’s offense.

Saleh was at Packers practice on Wednesday as LaFleur’s team began on-field preparations for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“Thought it was a good idea to bring him here. He’s helping us on the offensive side of the ball,” LaFleur said Wednesday. “I think that’s always a good deal to have that defensive perspective on that side of the ball. Just taking a look at some of the things we’re doing.

LaFleur said Saleh, who was fired by the Jets two weeks ago, will be in Green Bay through Thursday before returning home Friday.

The Packers used former NFL defensive back Aubrey Pleasant in a similar style of consulting role for the offense during the 2022 season.

LaFleur called Saleh an “elite defensive mind” who can help the Packers “attack defenses.”

“It’s a good opportunity for him to learn and also for him to help us and give us perspective on how teams might see us, might defend us,” LaFleur said. “Certainly, can find holes or vulnerabilities in the defense that we’re playing. That’s how we’re going to use him.”

LaFleur made it clear that Saleh would not be helping on the defensive side. He said he has complete “trust” in first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who previously worked with Saleh in San Francisco.

“Haf and our defensive staff have a great thing going,” LaFleur said.

Saleh spent four seasons as the 49ers defensive coordinator (2017-2020) and the last four seasons with the Jets as head coach. Five times in the last six seasons, Saleh’s defense has ranked in the top 10 for yards allowed.

The relationship between LaFleur and Saleh dates back being on the same coaching staff at Central Michigan in the early 2000s. They were reunited with the Houston Texans at the pro level. Not only coaching colleagues but also close friends, LaFleur was the best man at Saleh’s wedding.

Former Jets HC Robert Saleh spotted at Packers practice on Wednesday

Former Jets coach Robert Saleh, a close friend of Matt LaFleur’s, was spotted at Packers practice on Wednesday.

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.

Rams should consider hiring Robert Saleh as a defensive consultant

The Rams defense could use a tune up and perhaps new bold ideas from a defensive guru could do the trick.

Robert Saleh was seen as one of the best defensive coordinators in football when he was hired by the New York Jets as their head coach in 2021. The former 49ers defensive coordinator, Saleh helped New York establish its toughest defense since Rex Ryan and the 2010 Jets.

The 2023 Jets ranked No. 2 in total defense and up to his firing, the Jets remained in the top five. In 2024, the Jets averaged 17 points per game allowed and since his firing, the number has increased to 30.

Saleh is also credited with the development of superstars Quinnen Williams, Quincy Williams, Sauce Gardner, and Will McDonald IV, who is currently ranked second in sacks.

Saleh is a brilliant defensive mind who has been a massive contributor on multiple coaching staffs, including Seattle’s legion of boom and the 2019 NFC champion 49ers. He may be a former rival, but the Rams should consider hiring Saleh as a defensive consultant on Chris Shula’s staff, similar to legendary offensive line coach Mike Munchak consulting with Los Angeles.

A consultant role allows Saleh to help teach some new defensive strategies while not necessarily requiring him to move from his home in New York. It also lays the framework for his potential hiring. While there will be some interest from the NFL for head coaching roles, there have been quiet whispers that he could be the defensive coordinator for the 49ers again. Also, some have speculated about a potential pairing with Saints OC Klint Kubiak if he gets a head coaching job. Both are connected through Saleh’s time on the staff of Gary Kubiak – Klint’s dad – in Houston.

However, nothing is written in stone and when you consider that the futures of DC Chris Shula and assistant head coach Aubrey Pleasant may be unknown, Saleh could be a perfect fit in those roles.

The Rams and Saleh have another connection through offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. LaFleur was Saleh’s first offensive coordinator in New York and Mike’s brother, Green Bay Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur, is close friends with Saleh. Matt LaFleur was Sean McVay’s first-ever offensive coordinator in 2017.

Saleh has the skills, relationships and desires that the Rams could potentially need on their staff next season. A consultant role fits both parties’ current needs, acquiring knowledge from Saleh while keeping him away enough so he doesn’t learn too much about the team should he go elsewhere. For Saleh, he gets to remain close to the NFL while also staying close to his family.

It’s a win-win partnership.

Could the Texans reach out to former Jets coach Robert Saleh for help?

Could a reunion happen between Robert Saleh and the Houston Texans before Week 9’s game against the New York Jets?

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is still waiting for his next opportunity after being fired last week amid a 2-3 start to the regular season.

Could his next destination be on the sidelines at NRG Stadium while working underneath former colleague and current Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans? Right now, that doesn’t seem likely.

That doesn’t mean that Texans general manager Nick Caserio isn’t a fan of Saleh and what he brings to any organization defensively.

“Robert’s a really good coach,” Caserio said during his appearance on “Payne & Pendergast” Wednesday morning on SportsRadio610. “Robert did a really good job with their program. He’s very well thought of in the league. So, a lot of respect for him and what he did for the Jets and what he did here for the Texans organization as well. What conversations take place, those are up to the people involved. I’m not going to get fined for saying anything that I shouldn’t say.”

The connection between Saleh and the Texans is far. Prior to becoming one of the top defensive minds in the industry, he spent eight seasons in Houston working as an assistant.

Ryans’ impact also carries a little weight. When hired by New York in 2021, Ryans served as Saleh’s linebackers coach and eventually took over as the San Francisco 49ers’ new defensive coordinator.

Two years after carrying on the tradition that Saleh started, Ryans returned to the place that drafted him out of the University of Alabama in 2006.

The Texans face off against Saleh’s former team on Halloween, so the best revenge for the former coach would be to give away inside information on the opposing sidelines. It’s happened before. After Hue Jackson was fired by the Cleveland Browns in 2018, he joined the Cincinnati Bengals staff just in time to face off against those who sent him packing.

Cleveland got the last laugh since it defeated the Bengals. Caserio referred to the notion of what occurred back then, too. 

“I don’t think we’re going to see anything like that, you don’t have to worry about that,” Caserio said.

Saleh’s tenure in New York wasn’t great. He finished 20-36 and never posted a winning season, but not all was based on his coaching. New York never had stability at the quarterback position and struggled to find life behind underwhelming offensive line play. 

Saleh likely won’t return to Houston before Week 9’s matchup, but depending on how things go entering the offseason, he could be a prime candidate to join the staff for 2025.