GREEN BAY – The Packers had a new face amongst their coaches in the meeting room and on the practice field Wednesday.
Former Jets coach Robert Saleh, dismissed by team owner Woody Johnson two weeks ago and one of Head Coach Matt LaFleur's best personal and coaching friends, will be with the Packers through Thursday this week.
The San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator for four years before getting the Jets head job in 2021, Saleh and his defensive expertise are being consulted by LaFleur to help Green Bay's offense as it prepares to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
"I think that's always a good deal to have the perspective, that defensive perspective on that side of the ball," LaFleur said. "So, (he's) just taking a look at some of the things we're doing.
"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, how they might defend us."
LaFleur did something similar late in the season two years ago, bringing in Detroit's Aubrey Pleasant to help on the offense after Pleasant was let go as Lions defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.
LaFleur stressed that Saleh would not be involved with new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley's unit, even though his primary background is as a defensive coach.
"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. It's Year 1, he's kind of got to go through it himself."
Saleh was introduced during the team meeting Wednesday morning. A college roommate of LaFleur's, he's staying at the LaFleur household while he's in town and heading back home to his family on Friday.
How much he'll be around the team is a "fluid" situation, according to LaFleur, who reached out after Saleh's dismissal by the Jets to let his good friend know he can get involved with the team if he wants to, with no pressure to do so.
"I just think it speaks to how much he loves the game of football," LaFleur said of his desire to drop in. "Obviously it's tough when it gets kind of taken away from you."
Quarterback Jordan Love doesn't have any past experience with Saleh, other than chatting with him when the Packers and Jets conducted joint practices in Green Bay a few summers ago, but he's eager to hear what he might add to the mix.
"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.
Added LaFleur: "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."
