UNLV Names Dan Mullen Head Football Coach After Historic 11-3 Season

Dan Mullen is officially the new head coach for UNLV football, and it is almost certainly a new era for this program as well. He replaces Barry Odom, who guided the Rebels to back-to-back bowl game appearances and put UNLV on the national map, running one game shy of the College Football Playoff. Mullen, with high expectations, must now use that momentum as a springboard for the program's continued upward trajectory.

"I am very excited to be a part of the UNLV family," said Mullen. "These past two years, a foundation has been set to compete for championships, including being just one game away from making the College Football Playoff, which is a great testament to where we plan on continuing to be. My expectation is to keep that excitement and momentum alive and produce a team for the University, the City of Las Vegas, and the State of Nevada that is going to compete for championships on a regular basis."

Mullen brings a successful coaching background, with 103 wins at Mississippi State and Florida, and deep ties to legendary coach Urban Meyer, who has praised Mullen as the best offensive coach he's ever worked with. His offensive philosophy emphasizes spreading the field and reading defenses — a scheme that's turned out star quarterbacks like Tim Tebow and Josh Harris, who credit Mullen with developing confidence, not to mention their game.

He was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, and although no one in his family had an extensive football background, the likes of Chip Kelly and Ryan Day helped shape his perspective on the gridiron. Mullen, who is known to be personable and a good people person, is expected to hit the ground running with community relations in Las Vegas. His recent experience as a broadcaster has helped give him perspective on the shifting landscape of college football, particularly in regard to navigating NIL opportunities and the transfer portal.

While Mullen admits it is tougher to develop players today, this simply drives home the importance of building year in and year out. UNLV Athletic Director Erick Harper said he had no questions about Mullen's ability to lead, noting that the coach's experience, football intelligence, and involvement in the community all weighed heavily on his decision to hire him.