The UNLV Rebels are entering a new chapter with high hopes after a season that fell short of expectations. Barry Odom’s tenure as head coach saw the team achieve a respectable 19 wins, but the Rebels aim for greater heights. To achieve this, they’ve turned to seasoned SEC coach Dan Mullen, known for his 103 career wins and a reputation for revitalizing programs. Mullen’s impressive record includes a transformative stint at Mississippi State, where he achieved a 69-46 record, and a notable tenure with the Florida Gators, which included six bowl game appearances and a 29-win record despite a rocky final season in 2021.
Mullen’s Plan for UNLV
Mullen’s task is to turn UNLV into a competitive force, and he’s beginning by assembling a capable coaching staff. One of his first hires is Mike Sollenne as the offensive line coach. Sollenne, who recently served as a graduate assistant for Ohio State, shares a history with Mullen, having worked as an interim offensive line coach during Mullen’s time at Florida. Sollenne’s experience with the Gators, particularly during their challenging 2021 season, and his development at Ohio State make him a valuable addition to the Rebels’ staff.
UNLV is hiring Ohio State offensive line grad assistant Mike Sollenne as its new offensive line coach, a source tells @CBSSports/@247Sports.
Sollenne, who has worked at Ohio State since 2022, previously worked under new UNLV coach Dan Mullen at Florida. (@PeteNakos_ 1st). pic.twitter.com/DAyalLhFCk
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 22, 2024
Meanwhile, for Ohio State, losing Sollenne is unlikely to be a major setback. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have demonstrated resilience, recently dominating the Tennessee Vols in the first round of the playoffs with an impressive offensive performance. Despite this coaching shift, the Buckeyes are well-positioned to maintain their momentum. However, for UNLV, the addition of Sollenne marks a crucial step in building a strong foundation for the future.
Rebuilding UNLV Football
The challenges for UNLV football are significant, particularly in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Early in the 2024 season, the Rebels faced two major setbacks: losing quarterback Mathew Sluka and leading rusher Michael Allen due to NIL complications. These mid-season losses highlighted the need for strong leadership and strategic planning, areas where Mullen excels.
One of Mullen’s priorities has been addressing the quarterback position. He secured Anthony Colandrea, a former Virginia Cavaliers quarterback, through the transfer portal. Despite some concerns about Colandrea’s interceptions—20 in two seasons—his talent is undeniable. With 4,083 passing yards and 26 touchdowns at Virginia, Colandrea provides a solid starting point for Mullen’s offensive strategy. Drawing from his experience developing quarterbacks like Tim Tebow, Mullen is well-equipped to maximize Colandrea’s potential.
On the defensive side, Mullen has brought in Zach Arnett as defensive coordinator. Arnett’s resume includes head coaching experience at Mississippi State and a role as an analyst at Ole Miss, adding further depth to UNLV’s coaching staff. Together, these strategic hires reflect Mullen’s commitment to building a program capable of competing at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
Mullen’s track record suggests he has the expertise to guide UNLV through this rebuilding phase. His ability to develop talent and construct effective game plans has been proven at both Mississippi State and Florida. With key hires like Sollenne and Arnett already in place, the foundation for success is being laid. While the road ahead is challenging, the pieces are coming together for UNLV to reestablish its football program as a competitive force.
Time will tell if Mullen can replicate his previous success and bring glory back to the Rebels, but the early moves in his tenure suggest that UNLV football is heading in a promising direction.