Report: 49ers' Saleh declines Michigan State's HC interview request

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh doesn't intend to leave the Bay Area.

Michigan State requested an interview with Saleh for its head coaching vacancy, but the DC said he has unfinished business with the 49ers, reports NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Saleh helped San Francisco become a defensive force in 2019, as the team ranked eighth and second in points and yards allowed per game, respectively. The 13-3 Niners finished atop the NFC and reached their first Super Bowl since 2012.

The 41-year-old was a finalist for the Cleveland Browns' head coaching job, which ultimately went to former Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski.

Mark Dantonio stepped down as Michigan State head coach Tuesday, ending his 13-season tenure at the school. Cincinnati bench boss Luke Fickell was initially considered the front-runner to replace Dantonio, according to David Jesse of the Detroit Free Press.

The Spartans sport a cumulative 27-24 record over their last four seasons.

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