UPDATE, 3:03 p.m. — A security team recently arrived to MSU football’s base of operations, the Leo W. Seal Jr. Football Conplex. A team meeting is expected to occur by or before 5 p.m.
UPDATE, 3:57 p.m. — Brett McMuprhy is reporting that Mullen has reached a deal with Florida to be its next head coach. In the last 30 minutes, a few players and staff have entered the building, including defensive coordinator Todd Grantham, cornerbacks coach Terrell Buckley and running back Kylin Hill.
Below is the original story posted earlier Sunday.
STARKVILLE — The longest coaching era in Mississippi State football history might be coming to an end.
Pete Thamel of Yahoo! Sports reported Sunday that Florida has turned its search for a new football coach to MSU’s Dan Mullen. The move reportedly comes after former Oregon football coach Chip Kelly and current Central Florida coach Scott Frost decided against taking the job.
Thamel’s report said a decision is expected later today.
MSU and Florida will face off on Sept 29, 2018, at Davis Wade Stadium.
Mullen guided MSU to an 8-4 mark (4-4 Southeastern Conference) this season. MSU lost to Ole Miss 31-28 in the Battle for the Golden Egg on Thursday to end the regular season. The Bulldogs will await word on a school record eight-consecutive bowl appearance. That announcement will come next Sunday.
Mullen was named MSU’s 32nd football coach on Dec. 10, 2008. He took over a program that went 32-65 in the eight seasons prior to his arrival. Since his first season, Mullen has transformed the program into a contender in the SEC West and nationally.
In 2014, Mullen was named National and SEC Coach of the Year. He helped the Bulldogs record the fastest ascent from unranked to No. 1 in college football history.
Mullen, who has a career record of 69-46, passed College Football Hall of Famer Allyn McKeen (65-19-3) for second in school history for wins this season.
Mullen spent a four-year stint as an offensive coordinator Florida under coach Urban Meyer. He also has a previous working relationship with current Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin, who was MSU’s director of athletics from 2010-2016.
Several players tweeted Sunday afternoon in response to the report. Freshman running back and Columbus native Kylin Hill tweeted, “Literally lost for words”. Cornerback Jamal Peters tweeted, “Wow …..”
This story will be updated.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter @Brett_Hudson
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