Florida’s offensive coach makes quick dash, splash
STARKVILLE – After four seasons of running one of the nation’s most potent offenses, Dan Mullen has been given the reins to a struggling Mississippi State program.
Mullen, 36, reached an agreement Wednesday to become the school’s 32nd head football coach. He replaces Sylvester Croom, who resigned on Nov. 29 after five seasons with a 21-38 record.
Mullen has never been a head coach, but he’s worked under Urban Meyer for eight years, first as his quarterbacks coach at Bowling Green (2001-02) and Utah (2003-04), and then in his current position at Florida.
“We think he brings everything we were looking for in our football coach,” MSU Athletics Director Greg Byrne said.
This season, the Gators are ranked first in the SEC and third in the country in scoring offense, as they were last year. They are bound for the BCS National Championship game against Oklahoma on Jan. 8.
But Wednesday was all about Mississippi State. Mullen, his wife Megan and Byrne landed at Bryan Field shortly after 4 p.m. Mullen received a raucous welcome from fans, many of whom were sporting “Dan the Man” T-shirts, with the MState logo serving as the “M.”
clarionledger.com
12/11/08
