Michigan State is beginning its search for a head coach following Mark Dantonio’s suprising retirement. As the Spartans look for their next leader of the program, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh could reportedly emerge as a candidate.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, Saleh could quickly emerge as a candidate to take over at Michigan State. The 41-year-old coordinator grew up in Michigan and began his coaching career with the Spartans as a defensive assistant (2002-’03). He then served in the same role at Central Michigan (2004) and Georgia (2005).
Saleh’s ties to Michigan State go even further beyond his roots as a coach. He received his master’s degree in East Lansing. Furthermore his uncle Robert “Ossum” Saleh played guard for the Spartans in the 1970s.
Saleh emerged as a candidate to become the Cleveland Browns head coach this offseason before the organization went in another direction. He is beloved by head coach Kyle Shanahan and his defensive players.