ESPN is reporting that Dan Mullen, offensive coordinator of the Florida Gators will be named head football coach of Mississippi State University. This will be Mullen’s first head coaching job after four years at Florida.
According to The Clarion-Ledger, Mullen will formally be officially introduced as head coach Thursday.
Known for his offensive prowess and talent for coaching quarterbacks, Mullen coordinated the Gators to the 2006 national championship. He also helped Gator quarterback Tim Tebow win the 2007 Heisman trophy and former Utah quarterback Alex Smith to become a No. 1 overall NFL draft pick. This season, Mullen aided the gators to another SEC championship, defeating previously unbeaten Alabama.
Currently, Mullen is in preparation for the BCS national championship against Oklahoma on Jan. 8. It is unknown whether Mullen will remain with the Gators for their final game.
Mullen’s ability to create power house offenses made him a popular candidate with MSU fans soon after coach Sylvester Croom resigned.
According to ESPN.com, Mullen was seen as more of an attractive candidate than other rumored top candidate Kevin Wilson of Oklahoma due to his familiarity with the SEC and talent for recruiting.
Mullen takes the reigns following a sudden resignation from Croom and a disappointing 4-8 season. Croom led MSU to only one bowl appearance during his five-season tenure and failed to achieve consistency on offense resulting in a 21-38 record overall.
Before he started at Florida, Mullen was the quarterback coach at the University of Utah and Bowling Green.