Previous Job: Offensive coordinator, Florida

Pros: Mullen has been with Urban Meyer every step of the way, from Bowling Green (17–6 in two seasons) to Utah (22–2 in two seasons) to Florida (44–9 and two national titles in four seasons). While Meyer is the architect of the offense, Mullen has served as the playcaller over the past four seasons. In 2007, the Gators ranked third in the nation in scoring (42.5 ppg); last season, they ranked fourth (43.6 ppg).

Cons: While Mullen has served as the primary playcaller at Florida since 2005, critics will point out that he was running Meyer’s offense, not his own. Also, Mullen has no previous head coaching experience.

Final Analysis: It’s easy to attribute Florida’s recent success to the overwhelming talent on its roster, but the Gators also won games by out-scheming the opposition. This same offense that shredded most of the defenses in the SEC was largely responsible for the quick turnarounds at Bowling Green and Utah. Mullen now has to prove he can branch out and run his own program at a school that is currently near the bottom of the SEC food chain. With rival Ole Miss riding a wave of momentum, the rebuilding process could be slow in Starkville. But Mullen, assuming he can find the right kind of players to run his offense, should bring a more exciting brand of football to Mississippi State. 

New Mexico: Mike Locksley

Previous Job: Offensive coordinator, Illinois

Pros: Locksley is regarded as one of the top recruiters in the nation. During his four years at Illinois, he developed a pipeline from his native Washington, D.C., to Champaign-Urbana, luring such top talent as Will Davis, Vontae Davis and Arrelious Benn. He also did a fine job as Illinois’ offensive coordinator. In 2007, the Illini ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in rushing offense and No. 3 in total offense; last season, they ranked No. 1 in passing offense and No. 2 in total offense.

Cons: Locksley has spent all but one of his 17 years as an assistant coach east of the Mississippi River. During his time at Illinois, he recruited the D.C. area, Florida and Illinois. He will have to shift his focus to a new part of the country.

Final Analysis: Locksley has proven to be an elite recruiter. Now, he will have the opportunity to run his own program. Rocky Long enjoyed a nice run in Albuquerque, winning at least six games in seven of his last eight seasons, but he was unable to break through and win a Mountain West title. Locksley could be the right man to take this program to the next level. New Mexico doesn’t produce a ton of top-flight talent, but Locksley should be able to stock his roster with quality players from Texas and Southern California. This is an outstanding hire.

These evaluations appear in the 2009 Athlon Sports National Edition magazine. Click here to purchase your copy.