UNLV, Ranked 24th, Names Dan Mullen as New Head Football Coach

Dec 13, 2024, 12:03 AM

UNLV has officially announced the hiring of Dan Mullen, most recently an ESPN college football analyst, as its new head football coach. Mullen, who previously coached at Florida and Mississippi State with a combined record of 103-61, will replace Barry Odom to become the 24th head coach in the program's history. He will be introduced to the public on Friday at 11:30 a.m. during a press conference at the Fertitta Football Complex practice fields, an event open to the public. Statements from Mullen and UNLV Athletic Director Erick Harper emphasized the desire to continue the program's momentum, with Mullen noting the team's foundation for competing for championships and having been just one game away from making the College Football Playoff. UNLV is currently ranked 24th in the nation. Senior safety Jalen Catalon, who played against Mullen's Florida team in 2020—a game the Gators won 63-35—praised Mullen as a great offensive mind and expects great things from his leadership.