Robert Saleh Declined to Interview for Michigan State Head Coaching Vacancy to Stay With 49ers

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator made a name for himself this season after the way his defense played. This made him a head coaching candidate this offseason and he received interviews while he was preparing for postseason play.

A new job has now opened up in Saleh's home state of Michigan at Michigan State. He was reportedly offered an interview to head the program where he had his first coaching job, but he has turned it down in order to remain with the 49ers and complete some unfinished business.

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

Saleh played at Northern Michigan and was an assistant at Michigan State from 2002-2003. Having the chance to go home and be a head coach is a great offer, but Saleh may have his sights set on being an NFL head coach in the future, and is projected to be at the forefront of the market in the 2021 offseason.

Robert Saleh will be among the top head coaching candidates in the NFL next year. This makes sense, tho likely a tough decision. https://t.co/GDuBE9YjVT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 8, 2020

He may also just not want to leave his current job after getting so close to winning the Super Bowl. The Niners have the roster to return in 2020, and he will certainly be looking for better results this time around.

Saleh is in great shape and should be a head coach in the NFL before too long.