Will Muschamp’s Replacement: 12 Realistic Options to Coach Florida Gators

Nov 15, 2014; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Dan Mullen reacts on the sideline against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the second quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

1. Dan Mullen, Mississippi State Bulldogs

Seasons at Current School: Six

Record at Current School: 45-29

Overall Record: 45-29

Age: 42

Is there any shocker here? Dan Mullen has now proven himself in six years at Mississippi State, one of the hardest schools to win at in college football. But in one of the three historically worst schools in SEC history, he has provided it with one of its most successful seasons in history in a year when it played in the toughest division in history.

Mullen’s track record at Mississippi State is one thing. His return to Florida after serving as offensive coordinator there during the Urban Meyer national championship years could signal a return to the Meyer glory days. And he would likely be willing to stay.

This is simply a match made in Heaven that Florida shouldn’t pass up if they can help it. Mullen may not leave Mississippi State given the remarkable level of success he’s having right now, but that success would be so much easier at Florida.

And he would have no problem finding the right people to run his offense, while it would be easy to find a good coordinator to run the defense. This is too perfect of a match and too obvious of a choice.

Mullen is far and away the best option, and Foley should not let him slip away.