Packers’ Power Play: By Bringing Robert Saleh as a Consultant, the Packers are Making a Bold Move to…
Robert Saleh was fired by the New York Jets, but he decided to stay active. Less than a month later, he agreed to become an offensive consultant under Matt LaFleur on the Green Bay Packers. Now, he’s taking full advantage of the opportunity and its benefits.
On Tuesday, a day after firing Doug Pederson, the Jacksonville Jaguars released a list of interview requests, and Robert Saleh is a part of it. He is still connected to the Packers, but LaFleur will obviously be happy to help his close friend.
Compensatory pick
When Robert Saleh was hired by the Jets, the San Francisco 49ers received a compensatory draft pick because of an NFL rule put in place to incentivize the development of minority coaches — Saleh is of Lebanese origin.
However, the Packers are not expected to receive any type of compensation, since Saleh is in a part-time role within the organization.
Process
When the Packers hired him, LaFleur explained that it would be a good chance for the coaching staff to get a fresh perspective, but also for Saleh himself to work on the offensive side of the ball.
“It’s a good opportunity for him to learn and also for him to help us, give us perspective on how teams might see us, on how they might defend us,” LaFleur mentioned. “Certainly can find holes or some vulnerabilities in the defense that we’re playing. That’s how we’re gonna use him.”
Robert Saleh has already worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars between 2014 and 2016 as a linebackers coach. It was his third NFL job, after working for the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks. That gave him the visibility to get hired by Kyle Shanahan as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, a role he had for four seasons.
With the Packers, Robert Saleh has had his first experience as an offensive assistant. The idea is that he will offer insights to help LaFleur build his gameplans, but he also has an opportunity to learn more about offensive concepts and structures, which is paramount for a head coach.
