Is Dan Mullen about to abandon ship after finally finding success at UNLV? Absolutely not, he insists! Despite swirling rumors linking him to high-profile coaching vacancies, Mullen has emphatically declared his commitment to the UNLV Rebels. But here's the million-dollar question: can we really trust what coaches say in this day and age?
The college football coaching carousel is already in full swing, even though it's only mid-October. Several prestigious programs are looking for new leadership, the most recent example being Penn State after they parted ways with James Franklin. This always leads to speculation, and inevitably, successful coaches at smaller programs get their names thrown into the mix.
Enter Dan Mullen, who has guided UNLV to an impressive 6-0 start in his first season. Given his track record and UNLV's surprising success, it's no surprise his name is popping up in connection with open positions.
However, Mullen has unequivocally stated that he's staying put in Las Vegas. He addressed the rumors head-on during a recent press conference, assuring everyone, including his players, that he'll be leading the Rebels in 2026. "I’ll be here. I’m not going anywhere," Mullen stated emphatically. "I said it to the players. I told them that."
Mullen's journey back to the sidelines is an interesting one. After a somewhat controversial departure from Florida, where he had some success but ultimately fell short of expectations, he took some time away from coaching. He spent time as an analyst for ESPN, calling Thursday night games with Matt Barrie. This year, he returned to the game at UNLV, taking over after Barry Odom left. And so far, the results have been remarkable, with UNLV entering Week 8 undefeated and facing a tough test against Boise State.
In today's college football landscape, dominated by the transfer portal, player loyalty is constantly being tested. And this is the part most people miss... players are not just thinking about their own futures; they're also wondering if their coach is going to leave. This uncertainty can be incredibly disruptive. Mullen seems to recognize this, and his message to his players was clear: don't worry about me leaving.
"It’s the transfer portal world," Mullen explained. "I said, ‘Don’t get all excited and think I might go somewhere you think is, like, a better place. I’m gonna be here. You guys are stuck with me.’"
Mullen's name has surfaced as a potential candidate for openings at Arkansas and UCLA. But here's where it gets controversial... Urban Meyer, the former coach of Ohio State and Florida, has publicly suggested Mullen as a replacement for James Franklin at Penn State.
"How about Dan Mullen," Meyer said. "Damn right he is (undefeated) … Scored 51 last week … And you know, he’s from the northeast, by the way." Meyer's suggestion plays on Mullen's roots, potentially appealing to Penn State's administration and fanbase.
Mullen's coaching resume speaks for itself. He boasts a career record of 109-61 across stints at Mississippi State, Florida, and now UNLV. He led Mississippi State to a 10-win season and a Top-12 ranking in 2014 before moving to Florida in 2018, where he stayed until 2021.
So, what do we make of all this? Is Mullen truly committed to UNLV, or is he simply saying what he needs to say to keep his players focused and maintain stability? This is where things get interesting. Some might argue that coaches should always be looking for better opportunities, while others believe that loyalty and commitment are paramount. What do you think? Is it right for fans and the media to pressure someone to stay, or should they be free to pursue what's best for them? And knowing what we know about college coaches, how much weight should we give to his public statement of commitment?
