Long-time MSU Football head coach Mark Dantonio retired this week and it has left Michigan State with a coaching search. One of the names on the Spartans’ wish list was Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. According to NFL Network report Tom Pelissero, Saleh has turned down the Spartans’ offer to interview with the team, stating that he has unfinished business with the Niners after losing in the Super Bowl to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Saleh has spent the last 15 years in the NFL and 3 years with the 49ers, but before that, he was a graduate of Dearborn Fordson High School. He also played college football at Northern Michigan before starting his coaching career as a graduate assistant for Michigan State in 2002. He was with the Spartans for two seasons and coached for Bobby Williams and John L. Smith.
Here is the initial report from Tom Pelissero:
Michigan State requested an interview with #49ers DC Robert Saleh for its head coaching job, sources say, but Saleh informed school officials today he plans on staying in San Francisco. Feels he has unfinished business.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 8, 2020
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