Jaguars Coach Liam Coen and 49ers DC Robert Saleh Clash Post-Game

A post-game confrontation unfolded between Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh following the Jaguars’ 26-21 victory on October 1, 2023, in Santa Clara, California. The exchange, which required intervention from team staff members, stemmed from comments Saleh made earlier in the week that Coen found offensive.

During a press conference on Thursday, Saleh praised the Jaguars’ coaching staff for their ability to “legally” steal opponents’ signals, suggesting it as a compliment to their strategic acumen. However, Coen took issue with the remark, leading to a heated discussion after the game. Reports indicate that Coen was restrained by Jaguars offensive lineman Robert Hainsey, while a staff member held back Saleh during the encounter that typically includes post-game pleasantries between coaches.

Coen, who is in his first year as head coach, addressed the incident briefly, stating, “Not a big deal. I’m just going to keep that between us right now. That’s it.” His team improved to a record of 3-1 with the win against the previously unbeaten 49ers.

Saleh, who previously served as head coach of the New York Jets and has extensive experience as an NFL assistant, did not speak to the media following the game. Head coach Kyle Shanahan of the 49ers, whose team also holds a 3-1 record after the loss, had commented on Saleh’s statements before the game. He noted that Saleh’s remarks were intended as a compliment regarding the Jaguars’ tactical expertise, emphasizing that there was nothing illegal about their methods.

Shanahan remarked, “I don’t think you should be that sensitive about it, but it is what it is. I’m not too worried about it.” He further stated that the 49ers organization does not concern itself with whether Saleh’s comments upset the Jaguars’ coaching staff, asserting, “It has no effect on the game.”

The controversy originally arose when Saleh was asked about the Jaguars’ offensive challenges for his defense. He responded, “They’ve got, legally, a really advanced signal-stealing type of system where they always find a way to put themselves in an advantageous situation. They do a great job with it.”

Saleh’s comments referenced the coaching lineage connecting Coen with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, and Grant Udinski, the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator, who previously worked under Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. Both McVay and O’Connell have ties to Shanahan’s coaching tree.

As the season progresses, the implications of such exchanges off the field may resonate as strongly as the outcomes on the field, underscoring the competitive nature of the NFL.