Heupel, Mullen get high marks
UCF, UF and FSU all add new coaches
The coaching carousel has been spinning at breakneck speed. Check out our grades for the Sunshine State’s three new hires. COMMENTARY Oregon coach Chip Kelly, Florida did manage to score a great coach with the addition of Dan Mullen.
During nine seasons at Mississippi State, Mullen has amassed a record of 69-46.
The Bulldogs averaged about 7.7 wins per season. He has strong ties to Florida’s glory days, spending several seasons in the mid-2000s as the Gators’ offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer. Mullen helped UF win a national championship in 2008.
His forte is developing quarterbacks, previously mentoring Alex Smith (Utah), Chris Leak (Florida), Tim Tebow (Florida), Dak Prescott (Mississippi State) and Nick Fitzgerald (Mississippi State). Mullen’s challenge will be resurrecting a Florida offense that’s been putrid since Meyer’s departure in 2010.
A
Taggart has developed a reputation for turning around programs. He did it at Western Kentucky, USF and, most recently, Oregon.
He’ll have to work some magic again with a Florida State program that is coming off a disappointing 6-6 regular season.
Contrary to former coach Jimbo Fisher’s comments, FSU has better-than-average facilities and the resources to compete regularly for national championships. Taggart’s ties to the state of Florida helped him recruit at WKU, USF and even Oregon, and they’ll be useful again while he works to help the Seminoles rebuild their 2018 recruiting class after Fisher’s departure to Texas A&M.
The talent will come, as will the fans, who are eager to see the Seminoles back celebrating championships.
B+