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Dan Mullen was the Florida Gators' coach from 2018 to 2021. He was fired after a disappointing 6-7 campaign in 2021. Mullen then took a hiatus from coaching and spent time in the broadcasting world as an analyst.
In December 2024, Mullen returned to college football, taking over as the coach of the UNLV Rebels. Reporter Trent Kroop wrote about the transition from UF to UNLV:
"After being with SEC powerhouse Florida for four seasons, going to a Mountain West school is likely a tiny downgrade — even if the Running Rebels have been extremely relevant for a few years."
However, the UNLV coach did not share the same sentiment.
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"The facility here blows away anything that was at Florida when I left," Mullen said. "I didn't want to have to come into a program that you had to build from the ground up. We have a great stadium in Allegiant Stadium. We were a game away from the College Football Playoff last year.
"So when you're starting to check boxes, you know? Facilities? Check. Stadium? Check. Opportunity to win a national championship immediately? Check. Great place to live? Check. Really good school for my kids, I want my family to grow up here? Check."
Before Dan Mullen, Barry Odom served as the Rebels' coach for two seasons. He put up a 19-8 record before joining the Purdue Boilermakers in December 2024. The Rebels lost both Mountain West championships they played in under Odom.
Dan Mullen dubs UNLV as a 'sleeping giant'
Dan Mullen has faith in the Rebels' ability to become a strong contender for the national championship in the Mountain West Conference.
"I've always thought UNLV is kind of a sleeping giant," Mullen said in an interview with Athlon Sports in May. "We're UNLV, I mean, we represent the city. I think there's this kind of a different perception or mindset of the team that really has excited me of where the program is, what it is, and where we can take this program."
The Rebels begin their 2025 campaign with a season opener against the Sam Houston Bearkats. The game is scheduled to be played at Shell Energy Stadium on Aug. 29.
Can Mullen help the team break its curse and finally lift the Mountain West title while becoming a contender for the 12-team playoffs?
