Earlier today, there was a big development with Jim McElwain’s Florida coaching staff, when reports came out that he would be hiring defensive coordinator Geoff Collins, the leader of Mississippi State’s 10th-ranked 2014 scoring defense. This is a big loss for Dan Mullen’s Mississippi State program, and the Bulldogs’ head coach seems a bit salty about losing Collins.

Mullen says Florida coach Jim McElwain called yesterday to ask about speaking with defensive coordinator Geoff Collins. — Brandon Walker (@BWonStateBeat) December 16, 2014

Mullen calls Geoff Collins going from Mississippi State to Florida “A lateral move.” — Brandon Walker (@BWonStateBeat) December 16, 2014

Mullen on DC Geoff Collins to Florida: “I don’t like anybody leaving for what I would view a lateral move, to be perfectly honest.” — Brandon Walker (@BWonStateBeat) December 16, 2014

While Mississippi State is clearly the better team at the moment, historically, it would be hard to argue that they are on the same footing as Florida. Good for Mullen for sticking up for his program though.