Sports

Dan Mullen Leaves Door Open On Return To SEC As Both His Former Programs Struggle

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Dan Mullen walks to the stadium before a game at Mississippi State.

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Dan Mullen has been out of coaching since 2021, but his name often resurfaces around this time of the year. As hot seats crank up and the midseason firings begin, many look towards a proven option in hopes of success.

Mullen certainly fits that mold given his track record at both Mississippi State and Florida. Interestingly enough, both of those programs could or will be searching for new coaches in the very near future.

The Bulldogs are already on the market, parting ways with Zach Barnett before completing his first season at the helm. He entered an impossible situation having to take over for Mike Leach, who passed away over the offseason.

Shifting from the air raid to a run heavy attack didn’t work in Year 1 as the Bulldogs are just 4-6 on the season. Barnett wouldn’t get a chance to fix the problem, being fired in early November.

Mullen has been connected to the opening, and on Wednesday, he was asked about any interest he’s receiving. He didn’t close the door on a potential return to the SEC.

“It’s always a great honor when your name gets mentioned,” Mullen said in a recent interview. “You never say never to going back, but I don’t know if this is the time.”

While he might’ve ruled out a return to Starkville (for now), he did leave the possibility of a return to coaching on the table.

Would another of Dan Mullen’s old schools be interested?

Florida is in Year 2 with Billy Napier, and things haven’t gotten off to a great start. After finishing his first season at 6-7, the Gators currently sit at 5-5 having lost their last three games.

Napier’s seat wasn’t necessarily hot before the year started, though some did predict that he wouldn’t make it through the ’23 campaign. The heat’s certainly starting to rise a bit now.

Would Mullen get a look if the Gators decided to part ways in the near future? He did, after all, lead the team to three Top 15 finishes in four seasons.

That answer might be more complicated given the fans’ feelings towards the head coach. While he did lead Florida to an SEC title game, nearly pulling off an upset of Alabama, many believe he never truly dedicated himself to the position.

Rather than recruit, the fanbase thought he was more interested in lobbying for an NFL gig. After starting 5-6 in 2021, he was fired.

Since, he seems to take every chance possible to troll the Gators as the feeling of displeasure seems mutual. So, while Mullen’s left the door open for a return to the SEC, Gainesville might not be his top contender.

But as he stated, “You never say never.”