Former Florida HC Dan Mullen Says He Won't Take Syracuse Job Amid Rumors

Former Florida coach Dan Mullen ruled out a move to Syracuse after getting linked with the Orange, who are seeking a replacement for Dino Babers.

Mullen responded to a user on X, formerly known as Twitter, to say he "will not be the next head coach."

Tommy Sladek of CNY Central had reported Friday that Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack had met with Mullen.

Mullen was at least somebody worth considering for Syracuse. The 51-year-old worked with the school as a graduate assistant in 1998, so he had some existing ties.

Much more than that, Mullen turned Mississippi State around in a big way. The Bulldogs had won four or fewer games in seven of their previous eight seasons before he arrived. By his second year, they made the first of eight straight bowl appearances during his tenure, which peaked with a 10-3 record and an Orange Bowl appearance in 2014.

Mullen's stock did, however, take a hit with how quickly things unraveled at Florida in 2021 leading up to his firing. The Gators were 5-6 at the time, a record that was better than the general atmosphere around Gainesville.

Still, hiring him would've been a big statement for a program that isn't anywhere close to the top of the Power Five pyramid.

Instead, Wildhack is left to ponder other candidates.