Jags' Coen, 49ers' Saleh separated amid heated postgame exchange - ESPN

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The simmering tension over 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh's remark earlier in the week about the Jaguars «legally stealing signals» from opponents spilled onto the field Sunday, as Saleh and Jacksonville coach Liam Coen had to be separated amid a heated postgame exchange.

Saleh and Coen, two of the top candidates for the Jaguars' head coaching job in the offseason, did not initially greet each other at midfield after Jacksonville's 26-21 win. But Coen circled back toward Saleh as the situation escalated.

Saleh, who exchanged words with Jaguars offensive tackle Walker Little, was held back by a Niners staff member, while Jaguars center Robert Hainsey restrained Coen.

In a video by Action Sports Jax, Coen can be heard shouting, «Keep my name out of your mouth. Keep my name out of your f---ing mouth,» to which Saleh replies in part, «I will f--- your world up.»

After Saleh and Coen left the field, Coen twice declined to provide details when asked about the exchange.

«Not a big deal,» Coen said. «Just keep that between us.»

Saleh is generally not available to talk to reporters after games. Niners coach Kyle Shanahan was asked about the situation and if he believed Saleh's signal-stealing comments sparked the back-and-forth with Coen.

Shanahan said he tried to clear things up Friday, when he said repeatedly that Saleh was complimenting the Jaguars. Shanahan said he did not see their postgame exchange Sunday.

«I don't think you should be that sensitive about it, but it is what it is,» Shanahan said. «I'm not too worried about it.»

Asked if he was concerned that Saleh's words had angered the Jaguars coaches, Shanahan demurred.

«We don't totally care if coaches are pissed off,» Shanahan said. «It