The Jacksonville Jaguars and San Francisco 49ers are far from rivals. But Robert Saleh’s strong words might have opened up a new layer of animosity in the relationship between the two coaches.
The Jags captured a momentous 26-21 win over the Niners on Sunday, capitalizing on a steady Trevor Lawrence outing and a timely Parker Washington punt return TD. Following the game, all eyes were fixed to the field.
Fireworks ensued after Saleh accused Jacksonville and its head coach, Liam Coen, of implementing a sign-stealing system. Suffice to say, Coen and Co. were not pleased. That was reflected in their postgame interaction, too.
Here’s what you need to know.
MORE WEEK 4:
Liam Coen-Robert Saleh feud, explained
Saleh and Coen’s beef took shape ahead of Jacksonville and San Francisco’s Week 4 tilt. Saleh lit the fire with comments directed towards Coen and his staff in the midweek, referencing a legal sign-stealing system reportedly deployed by Coen’s staff.
Saleh claimed that Coen and the Jaguars employ an “advanced” legal sign-stealing system while speaking with reporters.
“Liam Coen and his staff coming from Minnesota, they got legally a really advanced signal stealing system where they always find a way to put themselves in an advantageous situation,” Saleh told reporters Thursday. “They do a great job of it. They formation you to just try to find any nugget they can. We have to be great with our signals, be great with our communication to combat some of those tells we might give on the field.”
Only two coaches on Coen’s staff hail from Minnesota — offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett. Both held low-ranking roles in Kevin O’Connell’s setup with the Vikings.
Saleh’s words appeared to catch the attention of Coen. Following the Jaguars’ victory, their tactician made a point to confront Saleh over his comments. The interaction appeared fairly heated.
Oh wow. #Jaguars HC Liam Coen and #49ers DC Robert Saleh had to be separated after the game today.
Saleh made comments this week about Jacksonville having a legal sign-stealing system. https://t.co/gW1Fpqp1in pic.twitter.com/UQicrVBuYO
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 28, 2025
During postgame availabilty, Coen was coy on his exchange with Saleh.
“Not a big deal. We’ll keep that between us,” he said.
wow. Liam Coen starts his press conference shutting down all questions about Robert Saleh.
the two had words on the field postgame after Saleh said the Jaguars “legally steal signs”.@BrentASJax @ActionSportsJax pic.twitter.com/8GmrtOdF7F
— Jason Hamby (@Jason_Hamby14) September 28, 2025
Sign-stealing isn’t inherently illicit in NFL circles, although the use of electronic devices to steal signs is prohibited.
Coen claimed bragging rights after Jacksonville’s victory on Sunday. Only time will tell if this is the last chapter in their burgeoning quarrel.