Gators’ Dan Mullen, Mike White sign contract extensions

Florida Gators football coach Dan Mullen and basketball coach Mike White both received contract extensions last month, easing some uncertainty surrounding their long-term futures at Florida.

Mullen — who only had three years remaining on his first deal — signed a three-year extension last month that goes through the 2026 season. He received a $1.5 million raise, bumping his overall compensation to $7.6 million.

Last year, only four coaches in the country earned more, according to USA Today: Alabama’s Nick Saban, LSU’s Ed Orgeron, Clemson’s Dabo Swinney and Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh. Mullen will also make slightly more than former Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher, whose Texas A&M salary is $7.5 million.

“We are very excited about the future of the Florida football program, and this agreement allows us to continue to build on the success we have enjoyed on and off the field,” Mullen said.

Most other terms of Mullen’s contract remain unchanged, though the amendment does specify that he did not receive any bonuses during the pandemic season. UF owes him $12 million if he is fired without cause (or however much money remains on his contract, whichever figure is smaller). He would owe the Gators $2 million if he leaves without cause.

“Dan has done a tremendous job in his three seasons at Florida, and we are fortunate to have someone with his obvious talents and head coaching experience leading our football program,” athletic director Scott Stricklin said. “I look forward to working alongside him to support his vision for Gators football and our student-athletes for many years.”

Mullen’s new deal comes after speculation swirled in the offseason that he was interested in leaving the Gators for the NFL. He said in February that he did not interview for any head coaching jobs in the league.

Mullen has taken the Gators to a prestigious New Year’s Six bowl in each of his three seasons. His 29-9 record at UF includes last year’s 8-4 disappointment.

White signed a two-year extension last week that runs through April 2027. His financial terms (just over $3 million this year, rising to $3.2 next year) remain unchanged.

White, a Dunedin native, is 123-75 in his six seasons as head coach. His Gators have made the NCAA tournament in four of the last five years — the exception came when the pandemic canceled the 2020 event — but has drawn criticism from some fans because of his second-round exits in the last three tourneys.

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“Though he’s still relatively young by coaching standards, Mike has already established himself as a successful head coach,” Stricklin said. “Because of his work ethic, intelligence and competitiveness, his career has such a high ceiling, and it’s going to be fun watching what his Gator teams accomplish for years to come.”

Also Tuesday, the Gators released contract information for their new (or somewhat new) assistants:

⋅ Tight ends coach Tim Brewster (one year left, making $485,000 annually)

⋅ Quarterbacks coach Gerrick McGee (two years, $390,000)

⋅ Cornerbacks coach Jules Montinar (two years, $250,000)

⋅ Secondary coach Wesley McGriff (two years, $450,000)

⋅ Linebackers coach Christian Robinson received a raise, bumping him up to $390,000 annually.

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