Robert Saleh has sparked speculation of an immediate return to the NFL after the former Jets coach was spotted at Packers practice.
Saleh was fired by the Jets earlier this month following a dismal start to the season in New York – despite the return of Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.
Recent reports claimed that the 45-year-old would not join another team during this season and would instead look ahead to 2025.
Last week, however, the Saleh was asked if he would return to the sidelines soon. He replied: ‘God willing’.
And, on Wednesday, he was seen watching the Packers offense practice ahead of Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Saleh has long known Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur, who was best man at the ex-Jets coach’s wedding.
Robert Saleh, who was recently sacked by the Jets, has been spotted at Packers practice
Saleh has also previously worked with Green Bay defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who has guided the team to a 5-2 start to the 2024 season.
The Jets fired Saleh in the wake of their defeat by the Minnesota Vikings in London.
‘This morning, I informed Robert Saleh that he will no longer serve as the Head Coach of the Jets,’ New York owner Woody Johnson said in a statement.
‘I thanked him for his hard work these past three-and-a-half years and wished him and his family well moving forward.
‘This was not an easy decision, but we are not where we should be given our expectations, and I believe now is the best time for us to move in a different direction.’
Saleh has long known Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur, who was best man at his wedding
The decision came after Saleh sparked controversy by wearing a Lebanon flag during the game in London.
The 45-year-old, whose parents are from the Middle Eastern country, carried the flag on his New York uniform.
It came as bombing continued on the Lebanese capital, Beirut, and conflict raged between Israel and Hezbollah.
Saleh wore a similar patch last month – and last season – but his gesture sparked outrage among some fans. The Jets faced the Vikings a day before the anniversary of the attacks on Israel on October 7.
But reports later insisted that the gesture played no part in the Jets’ shock call to fire the head coach.
