San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh addressed his comments that led to an on-field altercation with Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen after Sunday’s game.
Before the Week 4 contest, Saleh commended the Jaguars for implementing a legal but “advanced signal-stealing type of system.” Coen appeared to tell Saleh, “Keep my name out of your mouth,” as bystanders separated the coaches following Jacksonville’s 26-21 win at Santa Clara.
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Asked about the situation on Tuesday, Saleh explained that he was intending to praise the Jaguars without suggesting any wrongdoing.
“It’s all good. Whatever happened on Sunday doesn’t change how I feel,” Saleh said. “In my heart, I genuinely was trying to give a compliment. I own the fact that I probably used the wrong choice of words. But, however you want to word it, they’re really, really good at putting their players in position to be successful.”
Saleh clarifies comments
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 12: Head coach Robert Saleh of the New York Jets watches during warm-ups prior to the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images
Saleh added that all 32 teams look for ways to “find every little indicator they can” to help their players. Jacksonville’s efforts stood out during his pre-game film review.
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“It’s exhausting,” Saleh said. “Every team does it. Some do it better than others, and it was my way of acknowledging that these guys are really, really, really good at it.”
The former New York Jets head coach said that Coen is “doing a hell of a job” with the Jaguars, who improved to 3-1 after Sunday’s road win.
“You can tell that the team is really taking on his personality,” Saleh said. “I hope they came out of that game healthy, and I wish him the best of luck throughout the rest of the season. I wish I could have found a better choice of words, but my intent was always to compliment that staff.”
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Saleh wanted to pass along that praise face-to-face when seeking out Coen after the Week 4 game.
“I think they’re doing a really nice job,” he said. “I just wanted to let him know that I appreciate the way he’s going about his business with his football team.”
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.