Photo: Getty Images
Former University of Florida head coach Dan Mullen has reportedly "agreed in principle" to become the next head football coach at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
"Dan Mullen and UNLV have agreed in principle to a 5-year deal to make him the school’s next head coach, per a source. The deal isn’t signed, but the sides are headed that way. The deal is expected to be finalized in the near future. Football Scoop first reported his candidacy," Thamel wrote on his X account Thursday (December 12).
Mullen, 52, who was previously an offensive coordinator for the Gators during their two BCS national championships in the late 2000s and the head coach at Mississippi State, has contributed as an analyst for ESPN's college football coverage since being fired by Florida in 2021.
Mullen was hired as Florida's head coach in 2018 after nine seasons at Mississippi State. The 52-year-old led the Gators to double-digit win totals during his first two seasons as head coach, as well as an SEC East Division title in 2020 and three New Year Six Bowl appearances.
However, Florida failed to live up to lofty preseason expectations as a national contender, spiraling to a disappointing 5-6 (2-6 SEC) record in 2021, which included losing four of its last five games. Mullen finished his tenure in Gainesville with a 34-15 (21-13 SEC) overall record, totaling a 103-61 (54-52 SEC) career record as a head coach.