the guy said he had a source that was telling him Mullen had accepted the job in 2009, but Mullen had to prove he could recruit, be a head coach etc for another year. This is a done deal and Mullen has already agreed to be the next head coach at fla. Said he would reveal his source once it came true. But he also said that it was rumor and it may be complete BS.
ETA: Here is the column/post...
Editor's Note: This story is based on an unsubstantiated rumor and anonymous sources. While many sources have speculated that Dan Mullen is the likely replacement for Urban Meyer (with a Tampa radio station claiming Mullen's been offered the job), no official announcement has been made by Mullen or the University of Florida as of this time.
Before I say anything else, read the following CAREFULLY.
VERY CAREFULLY.
THIS IS JUST A RUMOR- IT HAS NOT YET BEEN PROVEN.
It's not fair to Coach Mullen, Jeremy Foley or anybody affiliated with either Florida or Mississippi State if I just come out and make it sound official, because it's not.
Do NOT quote me, because I DO NOT KNOW FOR SURE, but from what I just heard, Dan Mullen has taken the head coaching job at Florida for 2011.
Actually, he basically took in on New Year's Eve, 2009.
Sorry guys: I can't say who gave me this info until it becomes official.
I will tell you this, though: It was somebody affiliated with Florida. My grandfather, who I'm not sure would want me to pass on this information, was childhood friends with Stephen O'Connell. If you know me personally, and I trust you not to repeat it, send me a text or Facebook message and I'll tell you his name and how they got to know each other. Bottom line- they became very good friends, and I know stuff that I probably shouldn't.
Sorry bro, I think you might be done at UF
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Here's the whole story, of what I heard (AGAIN- THIS IS JUST A RUMOR- NOTHING HAS BEEN PROVEN YET!!!)
The day after Meyer quit, he was talked into returning- for one more year. Just to hold it together until Florida could find a decent replacement. But that was BS. Florida knew exactly who they wanted- Mullen. Publicly, Mullen was listed as a viable candidate until Meyer resumed his position as head coach for UF. Privately, Foley, but mostly the boosters, wanted to see Mullen take the next step in coaching- Year 2, perhaps the most important in all of coaching: recruit for a year, and coach those guys, see how he can maintain success, etc.
So Meyer agreed to stay for another year, and Gator boosters, without Mullen or even Meyer's knowledge, kept a very close eye on Mullen. Technically, Meyer did know that UF was looking hard at Mullen, but not the extent that it was actually happening. He basically knew nothing more than you or me: UF likes him, he ran the offense in the championship years, he made Tebow/Harvin/Cornelius Ingram/Bubba Caldwell, etc. who they were. But he didn't know they were after him like a hawk.
What Mullen did on New Year's eve of 2009 was logical: he accepted the terms given to him by boosters (well, Foley too) and it would go into effect in 2011- assuming his program at Mississippi State continued to rise, but didn't say a word.
The main issue that I could not wring out of my gold mine of a source is when he'll accept the job. I asked him if he would ditch the Bulldogs before the Gator Bowl, and join Florida on the sidelines in the Outback Bowl, where he could take look at Florida's "offense" first hand. He said he did not know yet, and when I kept pressing him, he eventually got pissed and when he said, "I really don't know and I'm not saying another word about it!!!" I knew it was time to stop. I'd pressed my luck enough for one day anyway.
What's next, aka Jordan Reed
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images If this is true, then Mullen's comments that he has "no interest" and he has had "no contact" are simply common defenses. How would that look if he pulled a Brian Kelly and just walked away before the bowl game? He's too decent of a person to do it.
However.
This.
Could.
All.
Be.
Complete.
BS.
My source could be just be playing with me. Or he could have misheard something and be dead wrong. But he hasn't ever messed with me like this in the past. And he's usually pretty damned careful to say only facts. He carries no opinion.
And you guys have my word that I will unveil my source if this all is true.
Remember though: IT'S STILL JUST A RUMOR!!!
