Michael Bonner

The Clarion-Ledger

Dan Mullen could be emerging as a leading candidate to fill the coaching vacancy at Michigan, according to a Saturday morning report.

Football Scoop reports that Mullen at Mississippi State and UCLA's Jim Mora have likely emerged as Michigan's top two candidates to fill the spot left by Brady Hoke. Michigan fired Hoke on Dec. 2.

The report isn't entirely clear though.

It states:

When I asked sources familiar with Michigan's search if they would characterize Mullen as a lead candidate, the response was "I don't know that (interim AD Jim) Hackett felt that way last week; but it certainly seems like he considers him a very viable candidate now."

It also states that Mullen and Mora are not the only candidates. Michigan could meet with as many as 10 or more candidates next week, which could include coaches in the NFL. It's likely those conversations would take place after the NFL regular season, which has three games remaining.

Mississippi State athletic director Scott Stricklin said last week, he expect to extend Mullen after this season. He told reporters Mississippi State extended the coach successfully in five previous offseasons. He expects this one to be no different.

"We want to make sure we reward Dan for what he's done and also continue to invest going forward not only in him but his whole staff," Stricklin said. "I think we'll be in position to do that. We've had productive conversations and I'm hopeful we'll get that wrapped up."

Mullen currently makes about $3 million. A raise can be expected with a potential extension. Ole Miss agreed to a raise with its coach Hugh Freeze for $4.3 million. It's the same salary as LSU's Les Miles.

"Dan, in his defense, his focus has been recruiting, being in bowl prep," Stricklin said. "But I'm optimistic we can get that wrapped up pretty soon."

Michigan announced on Friday that it had hired the search firm Korn Ferry for assistance in hiring a coach.

"Our process is moving along and many potential candidates have reached out and expressed an interest in the position," Michigan's athletic department said in a statement. "Korn Ferry is screening applicants, narrowing that list and identifying the best possible candidates for our institution."