Report: Mississippi State Spokesperson Denies Dan Mullen Nearing A Deal With Penn State

Update 11/30 - A spokesperson for Mississippi State University said that reports of head football coach Dan Mullen leaving MSU for Penn State are false. However, Mullen remains atop ESPN’s rankings as the No. 1 candidate for Penn State’s vacant head coaching position.

Original 11/29 - A Jackson, Miss. television station is reporting that sources close to the Mississippi State football program have indicated that head coach Dan Mullen is close to a deal with Penn State.

Several news outlets reported Tuesday that Mullen was the school's top candidate to replace interim coach Tom Bradley. Joe Paterno was fired by the school earlier this month in the midst of an alleged sexual misconduct scandal by former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky.

Mullen is wrapping up his third season in Starkville, where the Bulldogs have gone 6-6. In 2010, Mississippi State finished the season 9-4 after defeating Michigan 52-14 in the Gator Bowl.

Before Mississippi State, Mullen served on Urban Meyer's staff as the offensive coordinator at Florida. The Gators won two national championships during his tenure.