One last point. I appears to me that UNLV was prepared for Odom leaving and had Mullen lined up just in case. Saccenti, Harper and CDM golfed together over the summer and even toured the UNLV football facilities. That’s probably why it happened so quickly. From the Sporting Tribune:
UNLV President Keith Whitfield opened the press conference by praising Harper, whom he described as the “hardest working AD in the business,” adding that he had to “mandate” some time off. The AD had been juggling preparations for a bowl game while also embarking on a coaching search after Barry Odom’s departure. Yet, Harper managed to land a big fish in Mullen, a former SEC Coach of the Year.
Harper quietly thanked John Saccenti, the executive director of the Las Vegas Bowl, for playing a pivotal role in connecting Mullen with the UNLV athletic department. Harper also emphasized how the program’s rise over the past two years has expanded its appeal to top-tier coaching candidates.
“We had the pleasure of speaking to many qualified candidates from around the nation,” Harper said. “However, from all these established current and former coaches, there was one name that continued to come up–thank you, John Saccenti. A name that turned heads, a name that just a couple of years ago, it would have been a pipe dream for UNLV to attract…Dan Mullen.”
Mullen’s introduction marked his return to the sidelines after last coaching in 2021 at Florida. He reflected on meeting with the Rebels’ players for the first time moments before the press conference.
“I have to tell you, that was probably the most alive I’ve felt in the last three years,” Mullen said. “To step back in front of those players, I’m just so excited to be a part of it.”
Mullen shared the story of how his connection with UNLV began. While attending the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall of Fame festivities, Saccenti invited him for a quick round of golf and arranged an introduction with Harper. That meeting turned into an hours-long discussion about the program’s vision and potential.
“The vision he has for the athletic department and this program was something that got me really excited,” Mullen said.
The facilities at UNLV had already left an impression on Mullen during a visit last summer, when then-coach Barry Odom invited him to check out the Fertitta Football Complex.
“The facilities here are one of the biggest selling points,” Mullen said. “This program is not a building project. It’s on the up. It’s where it needs to be.”
UNLV President Whitfield emphasized the program’s growth. “There’s no doubt that the brand of UNLV football is as strong as it’s ever been, and my sincere belief is that it’s going to get stronger under the leadership of Coach Dan Mullen,” he said.
Mullen brings an impressive resume to UNLV, including 11 bowl game appearances while leading Florida and Mississippi State. The 2014 SEC Coach of the Year is excited to build on the foundation laid by Odom, who guided the Rebels to back-to-back bowl games and a 10-win season.
“What Coach Odom has done is amazing,” Mullen said. “I mean, ten-win season, that’s a special deal. He’s gotten this program aligned in the right direction and I’m excited to continue that path. The next step is to go win that conference championship, to go take our stage in the College Football Playoff.”
Mullen acknowledged the unique opportunity UNLV offers to players and recruits.
“I don’t know if there’s a better place to come play,” Mullen said. “You’re stepping into unbelievable facilities, a 10-win football team, and one of the premier stadiums in all of college football. From day one, we’re right there, going to the playoffs. Not a lot of places can say that.”
Mullen also addressed the pressure that comes with coaching in Las Vegas, noting, “We’re in the entertainment capital of the world, and our goal is to be the number one show in town.”
www.thesportingtribune.com
