Robert Saleh is back in the NFL, just over two weeks after the New York Jets mercilessly fired him as head coach.
Saleh has joined the Green Bay Packers staff and was first spotted at practice on Wednesday before head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed the move.
“He has an elite defensive mind,” LaFleur said. “But that’s why I want him on the offensive side, so he can help us attack the defense. I think it says how much he loves football (that he’s back already).”
Saleh’s comeback inevitably sparked wild debate on social media, with fans particularly intrigued that it’s the Packers Saleh has joined: his Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ old team.
“Robert Saleh would join the Packers as a ‘consultant’ and winning a Super Bowl would be a nice wrinkle in the Rodgers Jets era,” one fan wrote on X.
Robert Saleh’s new role with the Packers reminded fans of the Aaron Rodgers connection
Saleh was fired by the Jets in early October but has now made a surprising return to the NFL
Recently fired Jets coach Robert Saleh is at Packers practice. Long history between him and Matt LaFleur. Also worked with Jeff Hafley.
We’ll hear after LaFleur’s workout if he hired Saleh in some capacity.
That’s him standing on the other side watching the offense. pic.twitter.com/JjOFAv1iLa
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) October 23, 2024
Another said, “Robert Saleh winning a Super Bowl with the Packers this year while the Jets and Aaron Rodgers clash could be the end of me.”
One fan added, “There’s a world where Robert Saleh gets hired as a consultant for the Packers, wins the Super Bowl, and carries the Lombardi Trophy through the streets of Green Bay while Aaron Rodgers watches.”
Another response simply said, “NFL set the script for the Super Bowl early, I see.”
The Packers, 5-2 in third place in the NFC North, host the struggling Jacksonville Jaguars this weekend before a divisional showdown against the Detroit Lions next week.
The Packers are not scheduled to play the Jets in the regular season, meaning a potential reunion for Saleh would have to happen in the playoffs.
And for that to happen, the Jets need to start winning quickly. Despite trading for Davante Adams last week after a close loss to the Buffalo Bills, they were defeated again by the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday.
Quarterback Rodgers, who played 18 seasons with the Packers and won one Super Bowl, was limited in practice Wednesday by a minor hamstring issue and took knocks on his knee and ankle.
On Sunday they head to New England to play the Patriots, a matchup they simply have to win to revive their postseason hopes.
Rodgers spent 18 seasons in Green Bay before moving to the Jets, where things didn’t go well
Saleh has long known LaFleur, who was best man at the ex-Jets coach’s wedding.
The Jets’ decision to fire Saleh came after he caused controversy by carrying a Lebanon flag during the London game.
The 45 year oldwhose parents are from the Middle East, wore the flag on his New York uniform.
It came as bombing continued about the Lebanese capital, Beirutand a conflict raged between Israel and Hezbollah.
Saleh wore a similar patch last month (and last season), but his gesture sparked outrage from some fans. The Jets faced the Vikings a day before the anniversary of the attacks on Israel on October 7.
