Urban Meyer is throwing his support behind UNLV coach Dan Mullen to replace James Franklin at Penn State. The former coach and FOX Sports analyst made his pitch during Wednesday's Triple Option podcast, saying Mullen’s background makes him an ideal fit for the Nittany Lions.
“How about Dan Mullen,” Meyer said. “Damn right he is (undefeated) … Scored 51 last week … And you know, he’s from the northeast, by the way.”
Mullen, now 6-0 in his first season leading UNLV, has restructured his coaching career after a stint as a TV analyst. He has been listed among potential candidates as Penn State begins what’s expected to be an extensive nationwide coaching search.
Mullen led Florida to a 34-15 record from 2018-21 before being dismissed and replaced by Billy Napier. Before that, he spent nine seasons at Mississippi State, where he turned the Bulldogs into a consistent SEC contender. Meyer and Mullen share a long history, as Mullen served as Meyer’s offensive coordinator during Florida’s 2006 and 2008 national championship seasons.
While Meyer expressed surprise over Franklin’s firing, he backed Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft making the move. “I was shocked,” Meyer said. “Obviously, (Kraft) made a decision… The word from several sources is that this was one man’s call, the athletic director, which it really should be.”
Coach Mullen addresses rumors about his departure, stating, "I'm gonna be the head coach at UNLV next year. I'll be here. I'm not going anywhere. You guys are stuck with me." #UNLVFB pic.twitter.com/QU0aMOqV4S
— The Scarlet Standard (@SS_MediaLV) October 14, 2025
Despite Meyer’s endorsement, Mullen seems intent on staying in Las Vegas. He addressed the rumors directly at his weekly press conference. “I’m gonna be the head coach at UNLV next year,” Mullen said. “I’ll be here. I’m not going anywhere.”
The Pennsylvania native also said he’s content building UNLV into a contender. “I told the team, don’t get excited thinking I might go somewhere else,” Mullen said. “I’m gonna be here. You guys are stuck with me."
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