When Robert Saleh accepted the head coaching role with the Tennessee Titans, he asserted that his past conflict with Jacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen was water under the bridge. But with the 2026 season approaching, fans are eager to see if that’s truly the case.
Saleh confidently stated at the annual league meeting, “We cleared that up a long time ago,” as reported by Ryan O'Halloran of the Florida-Times Union. Coen echoed similar sentiments during the 2025 season, aiming to put the issue to rest. However, the true test will come when the two meet head-to-head as head coaches.
Their history is intriguing. Back in the 2025 season, an on-field shouting match caught everyone's attention. At the time, Saleh was the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator, while Coen was navigating his first year as the Jaguars' head coach.
The roots of their tension trace back to their days as rival coordinators in the NFC West. Coen served as Sean McVay's offensive coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams, while Saleh was in charge of the 49ers' defense. Now, as the head coaches of rival AFC South teams, they’ll face off at least twice each season for as long as both remain in their positions.
Even if their past disagreements are resolved, the heat of competition can easily reignite old emotions. With both coaches now steering rival franchises, their matchups promise to be must-watch events for fans and analysts alike.