Robert Saleh’s Defensive Mind Will Help LaFleur’s Offense

Just a couple of weeks after the New York Jets fired Robert Saleh as their head coach, the Green Bay Packers hired him as part of their staff. Saleh previously served as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers before taking the big job in New York. He has been friends with Matt LaFleur since 2004, when they were graduate assistants at Central Michigan University.

When the Packers hired LaFleur as their head coach in 2019, Saleh was the defensive coordinator in San Francisco. His defense shut down Aaron Rodgers and LaFleur’s offense in a 37-8 Week 12 blowout loss and then again, 37-20, in the 2019 NFC Championship.

Despite his history as a DC, Saleh’s role on the coaching staff will be more offense-focused. Matt LaFleur described it as ” fluid.”

“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.” LaFleur Stated. “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.”

That makes sense. Not only do LaFleur and Saleh have a great relationship, but Saleh has one of the most elite defensive minds and philosophies in today’s game. That can help Green Bay’s offense prepare for standout defenses like the ones in Philadelphia and Chicago.

Whether or not he will help out on the defensive side of the ball remains to be seen. For now, Saleh will be strictly on offense. Saleh and Jeff Hafley have worked together in the past. Hafley was the defensive backs coach for Saleh’s defense in San Francisco during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. They also have a good relationship, as Saleh’s arrival did not phase Hafley. He has a lot of confidence in his defensive philosophy.

“I’m at the point in my career where I’m pretty secure and confident in what we’re doing, where we’re heading, the staff that we have on defense,” said Hafley. “So whether it was a really good friend of mine like it is or some guy that I really don’t know, I just think that’s a way bigger thought and a story than it actually is. I came here to win.”

Do not be surprised if Saleh eventually gets a little more involved with the defense. They have shown flashes of being elite, but they still gave up 27 points to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.

Still, LaFleur has also expressed confidence in Hafley’s work on the defense. He doesn’t want to involve Saleh there yet.

“No, I don’t want to do that. I think [Hafley] and our defensive staff have a great thing going right now,” LaFleur commented. “And I totally trust them, so I think it’s Year 1, he’s kind of got to go through it himself. So, I don’t want to do that.”

LaFleur makes a great point. Hafley is only in his first year as the defensive coordinator, and the unit is already much better than it was a year ago. They are actively improving; if it’s not broke, don’t fix it.

LaFleur is an offensive-minded coach, so bringing in a defensive-minded guy like Saleh will help the offense execute more and assist LaFleur as a play-caller.

In future games, when Green Bay plays teams like the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears, Saleh can inform LaFleur what defense the opponent is running and if there is anything they are disguising in their formations. LaFleur can make some checks at the line of scrimmage or change the play to expose the opposing defense.

There is no scenario in which this hire hurts the Packers. The only thing that could happen is an ego battle between Saleh and Hafley over how the defense should be run. However, both men respect each other, and LaFleur has established a clear boundary between them.

Instead, this unlikely move will help Green Bay’s offense, and just in the nick of time. The schedule will only get tougher from here on out, as Green Bay has the Lions, Bears, and 49ers all coming up in November.