- Sep 8, 2014
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Mullen cultivating open, inviting atmosphere around program
New Florida coach Dan Mullen has done a great job of creating an open, welcoming environment around the football program.
https://florida.247sports.com/Bolt/...-inviting-atmosphere-around-program-115594481
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- As Florida coach Dan Mullen travels around the state over the course of the next few days, there's an inescapable feeling that he's extremely comfortable in his new role.
Mullen practically oozes confidence. He's thrown open the doors on his speeches to various Gator clubs around the state and he's been open with the media about his expectations and what he can and can't tell about his team right now.
In short, he feels like a guy well-equipped for the job.
And his enthusiasm appears to be bleeding over to the fanbase, as a crowd Monday night in Jacksonville stood to give him a standing ovation upon arrival and exploded in applause several times during his speech.
"I feel I'm one of the most blessed people in the world to have the opportunity to do what I do," Mullen said. "I love coaching football. I love developing young people to be successful in life. But the opportunity to do that at one of the premier, if not the premier, not just universities, but football programs in America is a dream come true for me."
Mullen's preached loyalty throughout his career, and after a nine-year stint at Mississippi State, there's certainly a feeling that if he's successful in Gainesville he could be in town for a long time.
The Gators could certainly use the stability in the coaching ranks, and optimism is high as Mullen begins building his program.
For his part, Mullen wants to make a long stay a reality.
"I loved being at Florida when I was here before. I'm thrilled to be back here at Florida," he said. "Hopefully one of these days I can have an office next to coach (Steve) Spurrier after I have a good, long career here and get an office next to him and be here the rest of my life."
The new Florida coach can't tell fans just yet what to expect. He doesn't know what type of offense he'll run just yet. He doesn't know which quarterback will win the starting role.
What he can promise, though is flexibility. Adaptability.
"Every year we're going to have a different style team," Mullen said. "Every year. We might be some years ball control, some years super up-tempo, some years we might lead the league in time of possession, some years we might be last. I don't know that dictates wins.
"We might throw it, we might be more of a running team, more of a throwing team... I'm great. Whatever our guys do well. But one thing we will always do is be a team that plays with relentless effort. In everything we do, you come watch us play, you're going to see relentless effort."
More than anything, Mullen wants to make sure gamedays are fun for fans again. He has promised that Florida will add some new traditions to go along with the old ones.
He described a vision for fall Saturdays in Gainesville. He wants it to be a combination of "a state fair, a rock concert, a Broadway show and a football game."
Something for the whole family.
Of course, winning makes gameday the most fun. And Mullen wants fans to see they're moving toward that as a program. So he's throwing open the doors to Florida football and encouraging everyone to come take a look.
It's a refreshing change of pace.
"I think some practices will be open. We're not going to open every practice getting certain things done, but I think people are excited," he said. "The Gator Nation is excited. So we want to make sure there are certain opportunities for them to get out and come see some of these new players and see how things are going to be a little different."
New Florida coach Dan Mullen has done a great job of creating an open, welcoming environment around the football program.
https://florida.247sports.com/Bolt/...-inviting-atmosphere-around-program-115594481
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- As Florida coach Dan Mullen travels around the state over the course of the next few days, there's an inescapable feeling that he's extremely comfortable in his new role.
Mullen practically oozes confidence. He's thrown open the doors on his speeches to various Gator clubs around the state and he's been open with the media about his expectations and what he can and can't tell about his team right now.
In short, he feels like a guy well-equipped for the job.
And his enthusiasm appears to be bleeding over to the fanbase, as a crowd Monday night in Jacksonville stood to give him a standing ovation upon arrival and exploded in applause several times during his speech.
"I feel I'm one of the most blessed people in the world to have the opportunity to do what I do," Mullen said. "I love coaching football. I love developing young people to be successful in life. But the opportunity to do that at one of the premier, if not the premier, not just universities, but football programs in America is a dream come true for me."
Mullen's preached loyalty throughout his career, and after a nine-year stint at Mississippi State, there's certainly a feeling that if he's successful in Gainesville he could be in town for a long time.
The Gators could certainly use the stability in the coaching ranks, and optimism is high as Mullen begins building his program.
For his part, Mullen wants to make a long stay a reality.
"I loved being at Florida when I was here before. I'm thrilled to be back here at Florida," he said. "Hopefully one of these days I can have an office next to coach (Steve) Spurrier after I have a good, long career here and get an office next to him and be here the rest of my life."
The new Florida coach can't tell fans just yet what to expect. He doesn't know what type of offense he'll run just yet. He doesn't know which quarterback will win the starting role.
What he can promise, though is flexibility. Adaptability.
"Every year we're going to have a different style team," Mullen said. "Every year. We might be some years ball control, some years super up-tempo, some years we might lead the league in time of possession, some years we might be last. I don't know that dictates wins.
"We might throw it, we might be more of a running team, more of a throwing team... I'm great. Whatever our guys do well. But one thing we will always do is be a team that plays with relentless effort. In everything we do, you come watch us play, you're going to see relentless effort."
More than anything, Mullen wants to make sure gamedays are fun for fans again. He has promised that Florida will add some new traditions to go along with the old ones.
He described a vision for fall Saturdays in Gainesville. He wants it to be a combination of "a state fair, a rock concert, a Broadway show and a football game."
Something for the whole family.
Of course, winning makes gameday the most fun. And Mullen wants fans to see they're moving toward that as a program. So he's throwing open the doors to Florida football and encouraging everyone to come take a look.
It's a refreshing change of pace.
"I think some practices will be open. We're not going to open every practice getting certain things done, but I think people are excited," he said. "The Gator Nation is excited. So we want to make sure there are certain opportunities for them to get out and come see some of these new players and see how things are going to be a little different."