Nov 20, 2021; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Florida Gators head coach Dan Mullen on the sidelines against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Reports: UNLV names Dan Mullen as head coach

UNLV hired former Florida head coach Dan Mullen to the same post, multiple media outlets reported Thursday.

Mullen replaces Barry Odom, who spent the past two seasons with the Rebels before taking the head coach position at Purdue over the weekend.

Mullen, 52, posted a 103-61 record during his time as head coach with Mississippi State (2009-17) and the Gators (2018-21). He was 29-9 during his first three seasons with Florida before mustering a 5-6 mark in his final year in Gainesville.

Mullen has spent his time away from the sideline by working as a college football analyst and color commentator for ESPN/ABC.

Odom compiled a 19-8 record in two seasons with the Rebels. He guided the team to consecutive Mountain West championship game appearances, including a 21-7 loss to Boise State last Friday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 22, 2024; San Jose, California, USA; UNLV Rebels head coach Barry Odom watches his team against the San Jose State Spartans during the third quarter at CEFCU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

Report: Purdue close to signing UNLV’s Barry Odom as coach

Purdue is close to hiring UNLV head coach Barry Odom to the same position, Yahoo Sports reported on Sunday morning.

Odom has posted a 19-8 record in two seasons with the Rebels. He has guided the team to consecutive Mountain West championship game appearances, including a 21-7 loss to Boise State on Friday.

Odom also guided Missouri to a 25-25 mark over four seasons (2016-19).

He effectively replaces Ryan Walters, who went 5-19 over two seasons before being fired on Dec. 1. The Boilermakers dropped 11 straight games since they opened the season with a 49-0 victory over Indiana State on Aug. 31.

–Field Level Media

Nov 16, 2019; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Barry Odom reacts to play during the second half against the Florida Gators  at Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

UNLV hires former Mizzou coach Barry Odom

UNLV announced Tuesday that it has hired Barry Odom as its next football coach.

Odom, who led Missouri from 2016-19, was most recently the associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Arkansas.

“I’m honored and excited to begin developing a relationship with our student-athletes and provide them a great foundation for success in every area of their lives,” Odom, 46, said in a news release. “I believe in the vision and plan that President (Keith E.) Whitfield and (athletic director Erick) Harper have for the UNLV Athletics Department. That alignment piece is critical and together we will achieve great success.

“This city is founded on opportunity and we look forward to this opportunity to lead this program and engage with this amazing community and Rebels everywhere.”

In Odom’s four seasons at the helm of his alma mater, Missouri went 25-25. The Tigers’ best season was an 8-5 mark in 2018, and they made two bowl games, losing both.

UNLV fired Marcus Arroyo in late November after the Rebels finished 5-7 (3-5 Mountain West) in his third season as coach. That was a marked improvement over the Rebels’ 0-6 and 2-10 records in his first two seasons.

Former national championship-winning LSU coach Ed Orgeron was rumored to be a candidate at UNLV, but Orgeron denied any interest or involvement with the Rebels’ search.

–Field Level Media