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* On the Mark: Three thoughts on the hire

* Uncensored Sound-off: Reaction to the hire

* Florida announces Dan Mullen as head coach

* Discuss this hire in the Florida fans only Alley

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* Landry Q&A breakdown on the candidates I

* Landry Q&A breakdown on the candidates II

* Coaching Candidates Hotboard 2.0

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A number of Gator greats, as well as ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit, expressed their approval of Florida's hire of Dan Mullen as head coach.

1966 Heisman Trophy Winner & UAA Ambassador Steve Spurrier:

“The Gators are thrilled that Dan Mullen has accepted our offer to be the head coach at our University. With his background here with Urban Meyer and his success at Mississippi State, he is well prepared to turn the Gators back into a top-10 football program in the country. We all look forward to his arrival here in Gainesville and to welcome him back to Gator Nation.”

2007 Heisman Trophy Winner & Gator Great Tim Tebow:

“I love that Coach Mullen is someone who understands the culture of the University of Florida and has won two national championships here. Dan understands how to coach and mentor quarterbacks and build championship level expectations and deliver them both on and off the field. He will not only be a great coach for the players from an X’s and O’s standpoint, but as a mentor for all the young men in the program.”

1996 Heisman Trophy Winner & Gator Great Danny Wuerffel:

“All of us Gators love to not only win games, but have fun along the way. I’m confident Dan Mullen will quickly get us back on track on both fronts.”

Former Florida Quarterback & ESPN College Football Analyst Jesse Palmer:

“Having gotten to know Dan personally, and after covering him professionally I am confident that he is the right man for this job. His track record speaks for itself, as he’s been instrumental to UF’s past national championship pedigree and unprecedented success at Mississippi State. Dan is a natural leader who inspires his players to give their best both on and off the field. This is a great day for Gator Nation.”

Former Florida Wide Receiver David Nelson:

“I am beyond excited that Coach Mullen is returning to Gator Nation. The impact he had on our national championship seasons stretched far beyond the football field. He genuinely cares about his players - as athletes, students, and people. His offensive mind is unrivaled and his passion for the game is contagious to all those around him. Get ready... Championship Football is returning to the Swamp.”

Former Florida Defensive Lineman & ESPN College Football Analyst Kevin Carter:

“Dan Mullen is an excellent hire for the Gators. He will recruit both players and coaches well. His development of quarterbacks is as good as anyone in college football over the last 15 years. This is a solid move for the future of Florida Football.”

Former Florida Wide Receiver & SEC Network College Football Analyst Chris Doering:

“Dan Mullen is one of my top two or three current coaches in the Southeastern Conference. To be able to get a guy who has the combination of experience at the University of Florida along with a proven track record of winning within the conference, this is a great opportunity. I look forward to the Dan Mullen era beginning at Florida.”

ESPN College Football Analyst Kirk Herbstreit:

“Dan Mullen’s consistency and success in Starkville is a testament to his ability to evaluate talent, develop them, and put them in positions to win on Saturdays. This, along with his background in Gainesville with Championship teams, makes him a perfect fit for the Gators.”

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