UNLV coaching job update: Dan Mullen to replace Barry Odom for 2025 football season per insider

UNLV has hired Dan Mullen to be their next coach, per college football insider Brett McMurphy. The Rebels needed a new coach after Barry Odom left the program to take the job at Purdue.

Odom led UNLV to back-to-back Mountain West Conference championship game appearances. Following Odom's departure, the Rebels immediately started their coaching search and have found his replacement.

"UNLV hires former Florida & Miss State coach Dan Mullen, sources said. Mullen was recommended to UNLV by Las Vegas Bowl executive director John Saccenti because of strong relationship b/w Mullen & Saccenti, sources said. Mullen was 103-61 in 13 years at Miss State & Florida," McMurphy tweeted on Thursday.

The terms of the contract haven't been revealed.

Mullen hasn't coached in college since 2021 when he went 6-7 (2-6 Southeastern Conference) with Florida and was fired.

Mullen is best known for his career at Mississippi State. He was the Bulldogs coach from 2009 to 2017 and had a 69-46 record. He coached Florida from 2018 to 2021 and went 34-15.

Mullen was named SEC Coach of the Year in 2014.

Barry Odom issues statement after leaving UNLV

After Barry Odom left UNLV to take the job at Purdue, he issued a heartfelt statement on Wednesday.

Odom took to X to share his gratitude to UNLV.

"Thank you UNLV. It has been such an honor to be the Head Football Coach at UNLV and live in this city for the past 2 years. My family and I are overwhelmed with gratitude ... thank you! I am so thankful for my players, assistant coaches, staff and Athletics Director Erick Harper, I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to be part of your TEAM.

"I also want to thank all the wonderful fan, donors, and great friends we have made in Las Vegas. You guys have been amazing, thank you!! Continues success.. Go Rebels!!" Odom tweeted.

Odom was the coach of UNLV for two seasons and finished with a 19-8 (12-3 MWC) record. He was previously the coach of Missouri from 2016 to 2019.