While Florida has yet to officially announce Dan Mullen as the program’s head coach, Mississippi State was ready to announce the coach has left Starkville and that a search for his replacement has begun.

In a statement, MSU President Mark E. Keenum thanked Mullen for the job he did and promised ‘new and exciting leadership’ for the football program would be coming.

“We’ve built a football program at Mississippi State that has enjoyed unprecedented success over the last nine seasons. Dan Mullen has been the catalyst of that success and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors. It’s a tribute to Dan and to MSU that he has drawn the interest of several premier football programs around the country. Dan’s tenure at MSU coincides with my own and we’ve had a chance to do some special things together for our loyal fans and friends.

“In anticipation of this development, MSU has already begun the process of an orderly and expeditious transition to new and exciting leadership for our football program. I have shared my vision with Athletics Director John Cohen and I am confident that John will move quickly and decisively to fill our coaching vacancy with the best possible person to build on the success of our program.”