Dan Mullen reaction pours in from fans, media as Florida begins coaching search

Dan Mullen reportedly informed his staff on Sunday that he was out as coach at Florida in a move that comes after the Gators lost in overtime on Saturday to Missouri.

The issue became increasingly likely starting for the Gators once they lost to South Carolina 2 weeks ago. But then the Gators struggled to beat Samford before the trip to Missouri. Mullen previously fired defensive coordinator Todd Grantham and run-game coordinator John Hevesy. But then Samford built a 14-point lead at one point and piled up 530 yards in the 70-52 shootout loss.

In the loss to Missouri on Saturday, the Tigers drew within a point on Tyler Badie’s 13-yard touchdown run, and then Eli Drinkwitz elected to go for 2 rather than send the game to a second overtime with a PAT kick, and the Tigers converted.

Florida fell to 5-6 and 2-6 in the SEC.

Mullen was 34-15 in 4 years at Florida, but Gators were 2-9 in last 11 games vs. Power 5 opponents.

Mullen is reportedly due a $12 million buyout

Here’s a sampling of fan and media reaction:

In all my years, I have never seen a fall like Mullen’s at Florida. From top 10 coach in American to fired in less than a year. Had to do it. Think if they lost opener to Utah next year how the noise would only escalate. Sad for the seniors though.

— Pat Dooley (@pat_dooley) November 21, 2021

Mullen out at Florida. Just months ago Florida and Mullen agreed to a 3 year contract extension and a raise of approximately $1.5 million per year. Mullen’s deal paid him an average of $7.6 million per season through 2026. 🤷‍♂️

— Pat Smith (@patsmithradio) November 21, 2021

Another Egg Bowl set to be derailed by a Florida coaching search? https://t.co/rbl6pq6wh6

— SEC Mike (@MichaelWBratton) November 21, 2021

Don’t agree. Way behind in facilities (though catching up) and I think it’s a few degrees harder on the margins to recruit to Gainesville than some of their competition. It’s a great job but I rate it a tick lower than Georgia https://t.co/LfRvwe58U8

— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) November 21, 2021

Dan Mullen is out as Florida’s head football coach, sources tell ESPN. The Gators have lost five straight to Power 5 opponents.

— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) November 21, 2021

Reports that Dan Mullen has been fired at Florida. Anti-shocker of the century.

— Alex Walker (@AlexWalkerTV) November 21, 2021

Auburn Co-Offensive Coordinators Mike Bobo and Dan Mullen.

— ImALegendKiller (@ImALegendKiller) November 21, 2021

Five* SEC head coaches have been fired the year after reaching the SEC Championship Game:

Terry Bowden
Mike DuBose (won)
Phillip Fulmer
Jim McElwain
Dan Mullen

*You can debate Houston Nutt’s exit from Arkansas. Technically resigned.

— Matt Smith (@MattSmithCFB) November 21, 2021

Dan Mullen’s seasons at Florida:

10-3 (win Peach bowl finish #6)
11-2 (win Orange bowl finish #7)
8-4 (lose Cotton, finish #12)
5-6 (Fired)

— Jacob Tamme (@JacobTamme) November 21, 2021

Dan Mullen. Tell your wife to get her last kisses with the Florida players in.

— Colonel Bane (@theColBane) November 21, 2021

Florida AD Scott Stricklin has reportedly terminated Dan Mullen.

I’ll be honest. I was still unsure today that Stricklin was capable of making and/or executing such a decision. https://t.co/3Yo8eHY0XB

— Matthew Stevens (@matthewcstevens) November 21, 2021

Dan Mullen out at Florida. You have to wonder if this will put pressure on Miami to join the coaching search

— Mello (@mello) November 21, 2021

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.