In a significant move for the UNLV football program, the university announced the hiring of Dan Mullen, the former head coach for Florida and Mississippi State, on Thursday. The announcement was made via a post on social media platform X, and sources indicate that Mullen will enter into a five-year contract with the school.

Mullen takes the helm following Barry Odom’s departure to Purdue, marking a critical moment for UNLV as they seek to enhance their football program. At 52 years old, Mullen brings a wealth of experience to the table, boasting 13 years of head coaching in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), with all his previous roles in the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).

During his tenure at Mississippi State, Mullen became a pivotal figure in the program's history, amassing 69 wins in nine seasons to rank second only to Jackie Sherrill. Notably, he propelled the Bulldogs to a No. 1 ranking in the inaugural College Football Playoff during the 2014 season, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level.

His later years at Florida were marked by success and challenges. Mullen achieved immense early success with the Gators, leading them to three consecutive New Year’s Six bowl games, and stunningly initiating his career there with 29 wins in his first 35 games. However, a controversial moment during a game against LSU involving a penalty caused by a player's action led to a downturn in fortunes. Mullen lost eight of his final thirteen games and was ultimately dismissed before finishing the 2021 season.

After a brief hiatus, where he transitioned to an ESPN analyst role for three seasons, Mullen returns to the coaching realm with a renewed focus on reviving UNLV's football ambitions. Known for his offensive acumen and prowess as a quarterback developer, Mullen honed his skills under coaching great Urban Meyer. He played a crucial role in the development of several NFL stars, including former No. 1 draft pick Alex Smith, Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow, standout Kyle Trask, and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

UNLV fans are hopeful that Mullen can replicate the previous success the program had with Odom, who achieved a commendable record of 19-8 and brought the team into the Playoff conversation this season. As Mullen steps into this new chapter, all eyes will be on how he can elevate the Rebels to new heights in collegiate football.

Stay tuned for updates on Mullen’s plans and the upcoming season! The excitement is palpable as UNLV football embarks on this promising journey!