UNLV has just found their new head coach. They turned to former Mississippi State and University of Florida head coach to lead their football program heading into 2025. Mullen has been an ESPN analyst since he departed from Florida in 2021. Mullen has been linked to many high-profile jobs over the last three seasons including for the UNC coaching job earlier this week. The Tar Heels ultimately turned to Head Coach Bill Belichick to fill their coaching position.
Mullen has a career record of 103-61 over 13 seasons. Mullen also coached Quarterback Dak Prescott during his collegiate career at Mississippi State. Will Mullen and UNLV experience success together?
UNLV Season Summary
BREAKING: UNLV has hired ESPN analyst and former Florida HC Dan Mullen as its next head coach, @Brett_McMurphy reports🎰https://t.co/0Qmj2mAYYw pic.twitter.com/m3NVr1UGbX
— On3 (@On3sports) December 12, 2024
Mullen is taking over a UNLV program that is coming off a tremendous regular season. They finished 11-2 and were ranked No. 24 in the final College Football Playoff rankings. The team was a game away from qualifying for the College Football Playoff but lost 21-7 to Boise State in the Mountain West Championship. UNLV has one game remaining in the season as they play California in the Art of Sport LA Bowl on December 18.
The Rebels had a great offense this season averaging over 425 yards per game of total offense. This position became available when former Head Coach Barry Odom was hired last week as the head coach at Purdue. UNLV is coming off consecutive nine-win seasons for the first time in program history.
Final Thoughts
After a few seasons on the sidelines, Mullen has jumped back into college football. The UNLV program is in solid shape and Mullen will look to continue that momentum. He will need the ground running in the transfer portal as countless players are looking to change schools heading into next season. There was an issue earlier this season in the program when Quarterback Matthew Sluka left the school due to an NIL dispute. The Rebels have hired a solid coach who will help the program in the upper echelon of college football.
