Mississippi State extends Dan Mullen through 2020 season

Eight years can be seen as an eternity for a college football head coach to remain in one place, but for Mississippi State, eight years of Dan Mullen simply isn't enough.

Bulldogs athletic director John Cohen announced Monday that the school has agreed to a contract extension with Mullen that will see him remain in Starkville through February of 2021. Mullen is scheduled to make $4.5 million this coming season.

"Dan has brought unprecedented success to Bulldog football and is one of the elite coaches in the country," Cohen said. "From a school-record seven straight bowl games to our performance in the classroom, he continues to raise the standard of excellence."

Mullen currently sits as the second-longest tenured coach in the SEC, behind Alabama's Nick Saban.

"I am very thankful to the University and athletic administration for their belief in me," Mullen said. "We have built a special program over the last eight years, creating a culture where winning is expected while achieving that in the toughest division in college football. I am proud of what we have accomplished, and I am truly excited about the direction we are heading as a program."

In his eight-year tenure with the Bulldogs, Mullen has coached to the tune of a 61-42 overall record, including a 10-3 season in 2014 that saw the team finish ranked No. 11 in the nation.