Why Brian Kelly, Dan Mullen could be great fits at their old schools

The college football coaching carousel has become increasingly unpredictable, but athletic directors often look for one thing when making a hire: a coach who has already proven he can win.

That makes two former Power Four head coaches particularly interesting if Cincinnati or Mississippi State has an opening in 2027.

Brian Kelly could return to Cincinnati

Few coaches have a stronger connection to Cincinnati than Brian Kelly.

Kelly took over the Bearcats in 2006 and immediately turned them into a national contender. He went 34-6 during his three seasons at Cincinnati, won the program's first Big East championship in 2008 and led the Bearcats to their first BCS bowl appearance. Cincinnati finished the 2009 regular season undefeated after Kelly's departure, eventually reaching the Sugar Bowl and finishing No. 8 in the AP poll.

He won national championships at Grand Valley State, became Notre Dame's winningest head coach and eventually took LSU to the SEC Championship Game. His career record at major programs is 200-76.

That résumé would make Kelly an enormous hire for Cincinnati if the opportunity arose.

The bigger question is whether Kelly would want to return.

Cincinnati is no longer the same program Kelly left. The Bearcats are now in the Big 12 and have access to significantly more resources than they did during his first tenure. Kelly would also be returning to a place where he already knows the administration, recruiting territory and expectations.

It would be a fascinating opportunity for both sides.

Dan Mullen could rebuild Mississippi State

The case for Dan Mullen returning to Mississippi State is even more straightforward.

Mullen spent nine seasons in Starkville, going 69-46 and taking the Bulldogs to seven bowl games. He transformed Mississippi State from a perennial SEC West afterthought into a nationally relevant program.

The high point came in 2014, when Mississippi State spent five weeks ranked No. 1 in the AP poll and finished the regular season 10-2. Mullen also helped develop quarterback Dak Prescott, one of the most important players in program history.

After leaving Mississippi State for Florida, Mullen eventually stepped away from coaching before returning with UNLV in 2025. He immediately led the Rebels to a 10-4 record, showing that he could still build a successful program after his time away.

That makes a Mississippi State reunion worth considering if the Bulldogs need a new coach.

Mullen already understands what it takes to recruit and develop players in Mississippi, compete in the SEC and build a program without the resources of Alabama or Georgia. He also knows exactly what the ceiling could be in Starkville.

The biggest concern would be whether Mississippi State wants to go backward by hiring a coach who already had his run with the program. But if Mullen continues succeeding at UNLV, that concern could become much less significant.