Tensions ran high during Sunday’s game when Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen and San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh got into a heated argument. Both had to be physically restrained as players and staff from both sides rushed in to break it up. Coen later addressed the incident publicly.

When asked about the exchange afterward, Coen sought to cool the controversy. “Not a big deal,” he said, adding, “We’ll keep that in house.” He chose not to elaborate, though his brief remarks hinted at a desire to move on from the incident.

The clash followed Saleh’s midweek accusation that Coen’s Jaguars were using a legal but advanced system to read opposing signals. “They’ve got a really sophisticated signal-reading operation,” Saleh told reporters.

“They do a great job of finding small details and trying to use those tendencies to their advantage, so we’ve got to be tight with our communication.” Though Saleh framed his remarks as cautious praise, they stirred controversy across the league.

Coen responded calmly before kickoff: “I’m not going to dive into that right now,” he said. “We’re focused on preparing for a great defense and putting together our best game plan.” His refusal to engage only underscored the weight of the accusation.

After the Jaguars’ win, Liam Coen first shook hands with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Then, as Robert Saleh approached, Coen turned toward him and said, “Keep my name out of your mouth.” He repeated the line, and both coaches had to be physically restrained by staff and players.

While Coen later downplayed the incident, many believe Saleh’s comments helped fuel the confrontation. The Jaguars’ strong defensive showing on Sunday added to the speculation, with some questioning whether signal-reading played a role. Regardless, Jacksonville’s performance reflected sharp preparation and relentless execution.

Jaguars make history with takeaways

Sunday’s 26-21 victory at Levi’s Stadium marked the first time the Jaguars had ever defeated the San Francisco 49ers on the road. They did it with a turnover-driven defense and a game-changing special teams play.

The momentum shifted in the third quarter when wide receiver Parker Washington broke free for an 87-yard punt return touchdown. His run symbolized a Jacksonville special teams unit that had been inconsistent but delivered when it mattered most, against an unbeaten opponent.

The Jaguars’ defense came alive too.

Linebacker Devin Lloyd intercepted 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy twice, pushing Jacksonville’s NFL-leading takeaway total to 13 this season. The front seven, led by veteran defensive tackle Arik Armstead, a former 49er, kept Purdy under constant pressure, forcing uncharacteristic mistakes.

Armstead delivered what may have been the game’s biggest play just before the two-minute mark, stripping Purdy of the ball. Linebacker Foyesade Oluokun recovered it, and with Jacksonville up by five, they never gave the ball back.

The win extended Jacksonville’s early-season surge and validated the defensive philosophy head coach Liam Coen has emphasized since taking over. Opportunistic defense and explosive special teams helped them overcome a 49ers offense that had been one of the NFL’s most efficient through three weeks.

Meanwhile, San Francisco showed cracks. Purdy entered Week 4 with just one interception but threw two in one afternoon. Their special teams also faltered at key moments, especially on Washington’s return.

With their first road win against San Francisco in franchise history, the Jaguars have emerged as a serious AFC contender. For the 49ers, the loss, and the sideline scuffle, offered a sobering pause after an almost perfect start.