Dan Mullen Set to Take Over as UNLV Head Coach in Blockbuster Move
In a move that’s sure to shake up the college football world, former Florida and Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen is heading back to the sidelines. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, Mullen has agreed in principle to a five-year deal to become the next head coach of the UNLV Rebels. While the deal hasn’t been officially signed yet, sources say it’s expected to be finalized soon. This is a major development for a program that’s been on the rise in recent years.
Mullen, who last coached in 2021, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to UNLV. During his four seasons with the Florida Gators, he compiled a 34-15 record, led the team to an SEC Championship Game appearance, and secured three New Year’s Six bowl games. Before his time in Gainesville, Mullen spent nine seasons at Mississippi State, where he built a reputation as one of the most innovative offensive minds in the game. Over his 13-year head coaching career, Mullen boasts an impressive 103-61 record.
From the Booth Back to the Sidelines
Since his departure from Florida, Mullen has been a familiar face on ESPN, serving as a college football analyst since 2022. While he’s been insightful in breaking down games and providing expert commentary, it seems the itch to coach never left him. Now, he’s set to take over a UNLV program that’s been trending upward under Barry Odom.
Odom, who recently left UNLV to accept the head coaching job at Purdue, had a stellar two-year run with the Rebels. He led the team to a 19-8 record and back-to-back Mountain West Championship Game appearances. That’s no small feat for a program that had struggled to find consistent success in the past. Odom’s departure left big shoes to fill, but Mullen’s hiring signals that UNLV is serious about maintaining its momentum.
What Mullen Brings to the Table
So, what can UNLV fans expect from Dan Mullen? For starters, his offensive acumen is second to none. During his time at Mississippi State, he developed a reputation for maximizing talent and crafting dynamic offenses. He famously coached Dak Prescott, who went on to become a star quarterback in the NFL. At Florida, Mullen’s teams were known for their explosive playmaking and ability to compete at the highest level in the SEC.
Here’s a quick look at Mullen’s coaching resume:
- 13 seasons as a head coach
- Career record: 103-61
- Four seasons at Florida: 34-15
- Nine seasons at Mississippi State
- Three New Year’s Six bowl appearances
- One SEC Championship Game appearance
For a program like UNLV, which has been building its reputation in the Mountain West, Mullen’s experience and pedigree could be a game-changer. His ability to recruit and develop talent will be crucial as the Rebels look to take the next step and establish themselves as a perennial contender.
What’s Next for UNLV?
The timing of this hire is particularly interesting, as UNLV is gearing up for a big game. The Rebels, who are 10-3 on the season, are set to face Cal (6-6) in the Art of Sport LA Bowl on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. While Mullen won’t be coaching in the bowl game, his presence looms large as the program looks ahead to the future.
UNLV’s success this season is a testament to the foundation laid by Odom, but Mullen’s arrival signals a new era. The Rebels have shown they can compete at a high level, and with Mullen at the helm, the sky’s the limit. Fans will be eager to see how he puts his stamp on the program and whether he can take UNLV to even greater heights.
Final Thoughts
Dan Mullen’s return to coaching is one of the most intriguing storylines in college football right now. His track record speaks for itself, and his decision to join UNLV is a testament to the program’s potential. While there are always challenges when taking over a new team, Mullen’s experience and expertise make him a perfect fit for the Rebels. As the deal gets finalized and the dust settles, one thing is clear: UNLV football just got a whole lot more exciting.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
