Coaching changes and player departures are a routine part of college sports, and the UNLV football team is no exception. The Rebels recently played in their bowl game at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, without their former head coach, Barry Odom, who has accepted a position at Purdue. Adding to the transition, the offensive coordinator, Brennan Marion, is reportedly leaving the program for a potential head coaching opportunity at Sacramento State.
Despite the turnover in leadership, the Rebels demonstrated resilience this season. Under Odom, the team experienced a remarkable turnaround and reached the Mountain West Conference championship—a feat that had eluded them for years. The coaching change comes as UNLV appoints Dan Mullen, former head coach of Florida and Mississippi State, as their new leader. In the meantime, Del Alexander, the receivers coach, has taken over as interim coach for the LA Bowl.
The matchup against Cal, now a member of the ACC after previously playing in the Pac-12, showcased UNLV’s competitive spirit. The Rebels entered halftime with a narrow lead of 14-13, thanks to impressive touchdown passes from quarterback Hajj-Malik Williams to wide receivers Kayden McGee and Jacob DeJesus.
The positive trajectory of the Rebels suggests a bright future ahead, as they are on the verge of becoming a significant competitor in college football. Mullen expressed optimism about the program’s potential, stating that UNLV is “on the doorstep of becoming a consistent powerhouse” and noted that they were just one win away from a chance to compete in college football’s inaugural 12-team playoff championship.
As the new season progresses, UNLV fans can remain hopeful about further developments and successes as the program aims to solidify its place among the elite in college football.