I agree that all new coaches come in with pretty much the same mantra.
We are going to instill discipline..
We are going to install a solid infrastructure...
We are going to emphasize strength and conditioning,,,
We are going to modernize facilities...
We are going to prioritize special teams...
We are going to open up competition...
We are going to instill confidence...
We are going to fire up the base...
DM seems to be delivering.
Half way through his first spring or even just prior to parting ways with UF did you know:
McElwain did not instill discipline? Do you really think that Mullen would have had any better luck keeping Callaway on the straight and narrow or there would have been no credit card scam under him?
McElwain did not install a solid infrastructure? McElwain rebuild the OL, McElwain balanced out the roster some.
McElwain did not emphazie strength and conditioning enough? UF players particularly in the strength position were being drafted every year.
McElwain was not going to modernize facilities? McElwain is credited with improving the facilities so he did that.
McElwain was not going to prioritize special teams? McElwain found great kickers. Special teams went down only as the program tanked with fan support ebbing than the a mid-season coacing change. McElwain did not put starters on coverage teams much, but many people subscribe to that view.
McElwain was not going to open up competition? I would say McElwain did that as much as any UF coach since Spurrier. He basically refused to promise the QB job to keep guys around twice.
McElwain was not going to instill confidence? Many on the Mullen bandwagon were as much on the McElwain bandwagon. That is what we fans do. We have confidence in our team whether deserved or not and know little of what is really going on inside the program.
McElwain was not going to fire up the fan base. Heck McElwain did fire up the fan base. McElwain got UF to the SEC championship game twice. It was really only here where the fan base was not fired up for all 3 of McElwains off seasons.
So Mullen is doing all these things like McElwain did. They are irrelevant unless Mullen WINS games in sufficient numbers AND PRODUCES A RESPECTABLE OFFENSE. If Mullen wins 8 games this fall with an offense ranked between 90 and 115 in most categories, then his seat will start to warm up. If Mullen wins 10 games this fall with an offense ranked between 90 and 115 in most categories, his seat won't warm up quite as much but it will not stay entirely cool. If Mullen wins 10 games or more this fall with a top 50 offense, then all of your question will matter. If he doesn't they won't.
Win and produce offense is why he was hired. He has done neither yet.