STARKVILLE — From the perspective of local high school football coaches, Mississippi State football coach Dan Mullen has built a winning program primarily on in-state players.
They’re happy to see its future solidified.
On Monday, MSU announced a four-year extension for Mullen that will run his contract through the 2020 season, which would get Mullen into his 12th season at the helm. He already is the second-longest tenured head coach in the Southeastern Conference.
“He’s done a lot at Mississippi State since he’s been there,” Columbus High School coach Randal Montgomery said. “I think it’s one of those deals where he’s built the program the way he wants it and he’s being rewarded for it, which is good to see.”
MSU also said Mullen’s salary for the 2017 season will be $4.5 million but did not release any other details on his contract.
“I am very thankful to the university and athletic administration for their belief in me,” Mullen said in a press release. “We have built a special program over the last eight years, creating a culture where winning is expected while achieving that in the toughest division in college football. I am proud of what we have accomplished, and I am truly excited about the direction we are heading as a program. This extension allows my family a long-term future here in Starkville, a place we are proud to call home.”
Mullen has tallied a 61-42 record at MSU, bringing him within 12 victories of Jackie Sherill’s record win total with the program. He’s also notched five bowl wins in seven appearances, missing the postseason only once — his first year in 2009 — since his hire.
“Dan has brought unprecedented success to Bulldog football and is one of the elite coaches in the country,” MSU Athletic Director John Cohen said. “From a school-record seven straight bowl games to our performance in the classroom, he continues to raise the standard of excellence.”
Noxubee County High coach Tyrone Shorter remembered back to Mullen’s first days on the job and what he said building the program would mean: successfully recruiting Mississippi talent to Starkville. Mullen sticking to his word for nearly a decade now has endeared him to local coaches.
“I just like the way he’s come in and recruited our schools,” Shorter said. “I like the way he shows his face, he’s visible. He welcomes us coaches in with open doors. We can go to his place and watch his practices.”
Landing in-state recruits
For example, all four of the players currently committed to the recruiting class of 2018 are from Mississippi; his recent recruiting classes have also had heavy doses of Mississippi players, such as six Mississippi high school players in the 2017 class, 11 in the 2015 class and 12 in the 2014 class.
“The staff there is trying to get Mississippi guys in there and he’s done a good job of recruiting our guys, for sure,” West Point coach Chris Chambliss said. “I know the passion he puts into it because you see it firsthand.”
Shorter added, “He’s got to do that: I think he has to continue to recruit Mississippi kids to be successful in the SEC.”
Local high schools coaches were also excited to see the extension as it continues the atmosphere of Mullen’s program that has benefited both them and their former players.
“At some places they say it and don’t really mean it, but at Mississippi State, anytime you want to go down and visit, you’re more than welcome,” Montgomery said.
His results certainly help the matter.
“You can’t argue with what he’s done and his staff his done,” Chambliss said. “He’s certainly opened the doors up for the high school coaches around here, he’s made us feel comfortable and opened his program up to us. I’m sure the players there are pleased, I know they’re working hard.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brett Hudson on Twitter, @Brett_Hudson
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