UNLV football coach Dan Mullen said Monday he intends to stay with the Rebels provided the program continues to receive institutional backing. His name frequently surfaces nationally whenever a Power Four vacancy opens, most recently at Maryland after the Terrapins fired Mike Locksley last week, but Mullen insisted he is content in Las Vegas.
"I enjoy being the head coach here," Mullen said. "I love our program. I love the kids. I'll say this: As long as I get the support of the university and the administration and I get the support of our boosters and the support of our fan base, I really enjoy being the head coach here. So as long as we continue to get that support, I don't really have a need to go anywhere because I really enjoy being here."
The Rebels (4-3, 2-1 Mountain West) return from their second bye week to face winless Northern Illinois (0-7, 0-3) on Saturday night at Allegiant Stadium. UNLV is a 24½-point favorite and looks to rebound from a 41-31 loss at Air Force in which the Falcons rushed for 430 yards while attempting only three passes.
Mullen attributed the defensive struggles to a lack of physicality up front, noting injuries and the continued NCAA ineligibility of Cohen Fuller have depleted the line. Fuller practiced Monday, the same day he dropped his federal lawsuit against the NCAA. Mullen said younger players must step into leadership roles and the unit must become "way more physical" during the final five-game stretch.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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