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Dan Mullen to Reportedly Hire Former SEC Head Coach as Defensive Coordinator

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated Dec 18, 2024 6:58 PM ET

Dan Mullen is beginning to piece together his initial staff at UNLV after signing as the Rebels' next head coach.

The former Mississippi State and Florida head coach spent the last three years with ESPN as a college football analyst.

Mullen will make $3.5 million annually on a five-year deal that could be worth a total $18.1 million if the agreement lasts through 2029, according to Nevada Sports Net. He replaces Barry Odom, who left for the head coaching role at Purdue.

The 52-year-old has a coaching record of 103-61 over 13 seasons. Mullen last coached for the Gators from 2018-21, leading Florida to an SEC championship appearance and three New Year's Six bowl games.

Mullen first emerged as a talented offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at UF under Urban Meyer from 2005-08. While Mullen is expected to call plays, the defense appears to be a priority for the new regime at UNLV.

Mullen and the Rebels are expected to hire former Mississippi State head coach and Ole Miss analyst, Zach Arnett as defensive coordinator, according to a report from Matt Zenitz of 247Sports.

Arnett, 38, spent the 2024 season as a defensive analyst under Lane Kiffin in Oxford. Ole Miss finished the regular season as the nation's leader sacks (52) and tackles for loss (116).

Arnett previously worked at Mississippi State, where he came on as defensive coordinator in 2020 before being promoted to head coach after Mike Leach's passing in December 2022.

Arnett was fired with two games remaining in the 2023 campaign. The Bulldogs finished that season with a 5-7 record.

No. 24 UNLV (10-3) and interim coach Del Alexander will face California (6-6) in the Art of Sport LA Bowl on Wednesday night. Kickoff from SoFi Stadium is slated for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN).

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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