Dan Mullen says this week's focus is on UMass game and not SEC job openings

After the Florida Gators football program and Jim McElwain parted ways on Sunday, the search for the next head coach began.

According to GatorBait.net, a leading 247Sports site, Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen has been linked to the Florida Gators job in the past.

However, Mullen shot down rumors that he's headed to Gainesville, telling the media, "I'm really happy here. We've been through this before and I'm still here."

Mullen was the offensive coordinator for Florida from 2005 to 2008. Mississippi State is 6-2 this season and broke into the Top 25 this week at No. 21.

One of the hottest names to be tied to the Florida Gators coaching search is UCF head coach Scott Frost.

"I haven't heard from anybody,” Frost said. "Those things might be hard for you guys to ignore, but they're really easy for me to ignore. I show up to work and watch film and get practice ready and go out and do my best to get our team ready, and I don't pay any attention to it."

GatorBait.net called Frost "a prime target for the Gators." The Knights are undefeated this season and ranked 15th in the country.

Another name connected to the opening has been current Oregon head coach Willie Taggart, who's from Florida and coached at USF from 2013 to 2016 before accepting the Oregon job last year. He quickly dismissed claims that he was a candidate with local Oregon media on Monday.

"I am committed to the University of Oregon and focused on Washington, a big-time game. I ask our players and coaches to be focused and that is what I am committed to as well," he said.

For the very latest recruiting fallout from Jim McElwain's firing, check out the latest breaking news below. Then visit GatorBait.net, which is on the ground in Gainesville with up-to-the-minute coverage, including who will be the Gators' next coach and how the future of the team will be changed forever. Visit now!'

Coaching Hot Board - See the likely candidates to be Florida's next head coach.

Florida's recruits react - Are recruits bailing on the Gators? We tell you. And some recruits have already made up their mind.

Jim McElwain speaks out - The former Florida coach issues a statement.

Future of recruiting - Florida's next coach must improve on the recruiting trail.

Swamp Secrets - Coaching change recruiting notes

Dan Mullen happy to be at MSU – Mullen comments on rumors he'll go to Florida.

Scott Frost denies hearing from Florida – Frost says he hasn't heard from the Gators.

Steve Spurrier chimes in – Spurrier says Shannon could keep his job.

Willie Taggart says he's staying - Taggart says he's committed to Oregon.

McElwain stops by practice – McElwain gives players a parting message.