Dan Mullen: Starkville 'best place we've ever lived'

Michigan, Nebraska and Florida all needed new head coaches this season. Many thought Dan Mullen would be considered a candidate. All are filled and Mullen remains the coach of Mississippi State.

He's quite happy about that.

"I know my wife and I, it's the best place we've ever lived, in Starkville," Mullen said. "Because the sense of community that's there, the family values, how people are raised, is unbelievable."

Mullen should have the opportunity to stay in Starkville as long as he wants. Mississippi State athletic director Scott Stricklin said he's optimistic an extension will be agreed upon.

"We want to make sure we reward Dan for what he's done and also continue to invest going forward not only in him but his whole staff," Stricklin said in early December. "I think we'll be in position to do that. We've had productive conversations and I'm hopeful we'll get that wrapped up."

Two weeks later, they still haven't reached an extension, which is likely due to bowl game preparation and losing defensive coordinator Geoff Collins to Florida.

"To me I have even more on my plate," Mullen said during bowl practices in Starkville. "Mississippi State has always been great to me and my family. We love it here. I'd imagine it'd get worked out."

Mullen arrived in Starkville in 2009. He's led Mississippi State to its best regular season in program history with 10 wins.

The Bulldogs were No. 1 for five weeks this year.

They look to grab win No. 11 on Wednesday against Georgia Tech, which would also be a program best.

"I'm just grateful everybody in Mississippi has embraced me, or at least half the state anyway," Mullen said. "Has embraced me and my family with open arms."