Mullen couldnt recruit at UF. That was his downfall. He won with McElwain's players, but the program was on a downward trajectory. The UF fans I know dont regret firing Mullen; they regret he was ever hired.
We used to complain about laziness in recruiting as well. But one of Mullen's biggest strengths was recognizing talent thst other people didnt see, then coaching those guys up to their potential.
That doesnt work at a program that expects to contend for national titles. They need those true five star players. I dont think it would work at State, either, in the transfer portal/NIL era.