Robert Saleh Clarifies Sign-Stealing Comments vs Jaguars

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh found himself at the center of controversy last week after comments about the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive preparation led to a fiery postgame altercation with head coach Liam Coen.

From Compliment to Controversy

Ahead of the Jaguars’ 26-21 win over the 49ers on Sunday, Saleh had praised Jacksonville’s ability to read defensive calls, referring to it as a “really advanced signal-stealing-type system.” Though he stressed that the practice was legal and common in the NFL, his choice of words struck a nerve.

Following the game, Coen avoided a handshake and instead confronted Saleh. Cameras captured the two exchanging heated words, with Coen shouting, “Keep my name out of your mouth,” and Saleh firing back in frustration.

Saleh Walks Back His Words

On Tuesday, Saleh attempted to clarify his intent, saying he meant his comments as a compliment to Coen and the Jaguars’ preparation.

“It’s all good,” Saleh said. “Whatever happened on Sunday doesn’t change how I feel. 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 admitted that “film study” would have been a better choice of words than “signal stealing.” He emphasized that nothing illegal was involved, acknowledging that teams across the league study tendencies from game tape to gain an edge.

A Sensitive Subject in Football

The phrase “sign stealing” carries baggage, especially after the NCAA found Michigan ran an elaborate illegal scouting operation in recent seasons. Saleh noted that his wording unintentionally evoked that scandal.

“Obviously, I did a poor job with the word choice,” he said. “If I said the word ‘film study,’ I don’t think we’re really talking about this. But I used ‘signal stealing,’ and that’s why I was so adamant about ‘legally.’ I was just struggling for a word.”

Respect for Coen and the Jaguars

Despite the flare-up, Saleh doubled down on his respect for Coen, who has the Jaguars off to a 3-1 start.

“I think Liam’s doing a hell of a job,” Saleh said. “You can tell that team is really taking on his personality. I wish them the best of luck the rest of the season. I just wish I could have found a better choice of words, but my intent was always to compliment that staff.”

Saleh explained he had sought Coen out postgame to deliver that message but admitted “everyone has a trigger” when asked why the situation escalated.

Shanahan Downplays the Kerfuffle

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan brushed off the incident, saying Saleh’s comments were misunderstood and intended as praise.

“Saleh’s too nice usually, but someone struck a chord the other day,” Shanahan said with a laugh. “I don’t think there’s any fights going on. It was kind of comical now to look back at it.”