Florida Football: Dan Mullen the betting odds favorite for Syracuse job

Former Florida football coach Dan Mullen has enjoyed the past two seasons in the cozy confines of an ESPN TV studio. As we laid out earlier this season, it is far less stressful than having to roam the sidelines in Gainesville and far less work than having to pretend to recruit.

But as the coaching carousel heats up, Mullen’s name continues to pop up as a prime candidate for several gigs.

Florida Football: Orange Crush

What if I told you there is a place where Mullen could be happy? The most beautiful place in the whole ****ing world? A place where Mullen could go 8-4 every season, not have to recruit, and the administration would say, “Great work Dan.”

The good news for Mullen is that the place does exist, and they need a football coach. Syracuse University fired Dino Babers this week after eight years in charge of the Orange. Baber made it eight years in Syracuse despite just two winning seasons.

There’s no word on if it’s made of candy canes and planes and bright red choo-choo trains, though.

Mullen graduated high school from New Hampshire and was a grad assistant for Syracuse in 1998, so there is some reason to believe he might also be drawn to a job in the Northeast vs a job in the South.

So, while Mullen’s name is also being floated for the Mississippi State job, BetOnline has him as the betting favorite to be hired as the next Syracuse head coach:

• Dan Mullen: 4-1
• Bob Chesney: 5-1
• Sean Lewis: 6-1
• Curt Cignetti: 7-1
• Jamey Chadwell: 8-1

It should be noted that Mullen hasn’t been interviewed, so it is still speculation. But Vegas finds a way to be right more than they are wrong; that’s why they are Vegas.

But wherever Mullen winds up, we wish you the best of luck, dear. Just drop a card or letter to our side of town. Because you…painted our entire world. But I don’t have the turpentine to clean what you have soiled.

And we won’t forget it.