UNLV Hires Another Former SEC Coach As Dan Mullen Is Next Rebels Coach; Mullen Introduced On Campus Friday
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By Alan Snel, LVSportsBiz.com Publisher-Writer
LAS VEGAS , Nevada –– If you’re a fired SEC football coach, don’t fret about your career.
UNLV might be your landing spot.
SEC member Missouri fired Barry Odom before Odom took a job as UNLV’s football coach and compiled records of 9-5 in 2023 and 10-3 in 2024 before he signed a lucrative six-year deal worth at least $39 million at Purdue. Odom made $1.75 million a year at UNLV.
Next up is former Florida coach Dan Mullen, fired by Florida in 2021 and scheduled to be introduced as Odom’s successor and UNLV’s new head coach Friday at 11:30 AM at the Fertitta football complex practice fields.
In a prepared statement in a press release, UNLV quoted Mullen as saying, “These past two years, a foundation has been set to compete for championships, including being just one game away from making the College Football Playoff, which is a great testament to where we plan on continuing to be.
“My expectation is to keep that excitement and momentum alive and produce a team for the University, the City of Las Vegas and the State of Nevada that is going to compete for championships on a regular basis. I want to thank President Keith Whitfield and Director of Athletics Erick Harper for this opportunity . . . I look forward to creating excitement for all UNLV Athletics and our goal is to be the premier program in the Mountain West.”
UNLV is now a prime destination for college football coaches given Las Vegas’ increased profile as a major sports market and UNLV’s gorgeous football facilities like the Fertitta complex on campus and Allegiant Stadium as the home venue.
The 52-year-old Mullen compiled a 34-15 record as the Gators’ head coach in four seasons, including an SEC championship appearance plus appearing in three New Year’s Six bowl games.
UNLV Athletic Director Erick Harper said his goal was to hire a former head coach with experience. Mullen fits the job description.
The press release quoted Harper as saying, “The momentum of UNLV football continues to skyrocket with Coach Mullen coming aboard and is even more proof that our university is serious about success. Rebel Nation came alive while watching this program reach new heights the last two seasons and we are excited to keep it moving forward under the leadership of someone the caliber of Dan Mullen.”
After Mullen got the ax at Florida, Mullen was hired by ESPN to talk college football.
Mullen also coached for another SEC team — Mississippi State. He was there from 2009-2017, piling up 69 wins against 46 losses before taking the Florida Gators job.
