MSU's Mullen dodges rumors about new Head Coaching job

With two major coaching jobs open at Florida and Miami and Mullen’s name attached to both, his presence in Starkville has been closely monitored. "I don’t worry about it," Mullen said. "I don’t live in a speculation world. We live in a real world. That’s all we deal with." Mullen has become a hot name in coaching circles after leading MSU to a bowl game in just his second season with the program. The 21st-ranked Bulldogs (8-4) will face Michigan (7-5) in the Gator Bowl on Jan. 1 in Jacksonville, Fla. Mullen’s ties to the Gators are obvious: He was Urban Meyer’s offensive coordinator from 2005 to 2008, which coincides with Meyer’s most productive four seasons, including two national championships. The two have remained friends, though Mullen says he hasn’t talked to Meyer since he abruptly resigned on Wednesday. Miami would be a less obvious choice, though Mullen’s familiarity with the state would likely be a plus. Meanwhile, Mississippi State athletics director Scott Stricklin has said a new contract is in the works for Mullen, who signed a four-year contract worth $1.2 million per year when he was hired in 2008. Mullen said he’s focused solely on the football field.