Carter's Corner: Mullen Thanks Gators in Statement
Sunday, November 21, 2021 | Football, Scott Carter
Stricklin informed Mullen of his decision early Sunday afternoon and then met with the Gators — as did Mullen and interim coach Greg Knox — during a team meeting.
In his fourth season, Mullen finished his tenure as UF's head coach with a 34-15 record, including 21-13 in conference games. The Gators lost in overtime, 24-23, at Missouri on Saturday, their fourth consecutive SEC loss.
Florida's offensive coordinator from 2005-08, Mullen helped the Gators win a pair of national championships during his first stint in Gainesville.
— Dan Mullen (@CoachDanMullen) November 21, 2021
Mullen's dismissal prompted plenty of reaction on social media.
Fifth-year senior defensive lineman Zachary Carter urged fans to turn out for Saturday's home game against Florida State on Senior Day.
This has been a challenging year with a lot of lessons learned, but im excited to end this chapter on the right note Saturday on Senior day. Yall come out and support🐊🐊 #GatorNation
— Zachary L Carter (@Zachattacks_) November 21, 2021
Former UF defensive lineman Adam Shuler offered his support of Mullen, who took over the program during Shuler's career.
I can't speak for nobody else. But Dan Mullen put me on! And always answer when I call! So regardless of the situation, he got my respect! #isaidwhatisaid
— Adam Shuler (@Adam_goeshard) November 21, 2021
Gators legend Danny Wuerffel, who won the Heisman Trophy and led the Gators to their first national championship in 1996, thanked Mullen for his time with the Gators.
Thx @CoachDanMullen for investing in the young men that made up @GatorsFB the past 4 yrs & for an electric offense that was a ton of fun to watch. All the best.#GatorNation -"In all kinds of weather, we all stick together for FLORIDA." Let's get behind our next head ball coach.
— Danny Wuerffel (@DannyWuerffel) November 21, 2021
Sophomore defensive lineman Gervon Dexter was one of the first to react on social media after Mullen's firing. Dexter posted a quote and photo of greeting Mullen on Saturday afternoon at Missouri as the team got off the bus.
"A good coach can change a game, A great coach can change a life " You changed my life 🧡 pic.twitter.com/VSjsqWYvCO
— THE Gorilla 🦍 (@GervonDexter) November 21, 2021
Defensive lineman Antonio Valentino, the only player to speak to the media following Saturday's loss, offered a sincere thanks to Mullen for the opportunity at UF.
I'll always be thankful for coach Mullen for giving me a chance to be a Gator. Literally helped me write a new chapter of my life. I'll never forget that, and all always be thankful for the opportunity.
— Antonio Valentino (@_groovy55) November 21, 2021
