SEC Football Head Coach Evaluation: Mississippi State’s Dan Mullen

Nov 8, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen during pre game warmups before their game against the UT Martin Skyhawks at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

What Dan Mullen has accomplished at Mississippi State is the most impressive run since former coach Allyn McKeen was at the school from 1939-48 (hailstate.com).  While McKeen’s win percentage (.764) is much higher than Mullen’s (.597), McKeen did not face the same level of competition or take over a program that was in the dumps.

Sylvester Croom led the Bulldogs for five seasons and compiled a 21-38 record according to The New York Times. Although things looked bright for a moment in his fourth year, Mississippi State stumbled to a 4-8 record and 45-0 loss to Ole Miss in year 5.  That is when the decision to oust Croom and bring in Mullen was made.

Mullen started his career at Mississippi State with only a 5-7 record.  It is the only season of his tenure, though, that the Bulldogs have not made a bowl game.  He also managed to upset Ole Miss in the 2009 Egg Bowl.  According to hailstate.com, this made him only the third coach to win his debut in this rival game.  Winning it added his name to a list that included only Mississippi State legends: Allyn McKeen and Jackie Sherrill.

After not making a bowl in 2009, the Bulldogs won the 2010 Gator Bowl to give the team a 9-4 record.  Mississippi State hovered  slightly above bowl eligibility the next three years before taking off in 2014.

That hovering slightly above bowl eligibility line is no slight at Mullen.  Before his arrival, Mississippi State’s record for consecutive bowls was three.  His five straight already compose the most impressive run in school history.

In addition to the string of bowl games under Mullen, Mississippi State has broken “ . . . 67 team or individual single-season and career statistical records” according to hailstate.  The Bulldogs have also produced 18 NFL draft picks and a first-team All American 5 straight years.  Mullen also owns a 4-2 record against Ole Miss, which is as important to State fans as anything else he has accomplished.

Mullen owns a winning record, the school record for consecutive bowl appearances and a winning Egg Bowl record.  Is there any reason fans would want him out?

Next: The Case Against Mullen