LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV head coach Dan Mullen is one of 28 names making up the American Heart Association's 2025 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year watch list, which was released by organizers Wednesday.
 
The award is given each January to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field.
 
In his debut season at the school, Mullen has guided the Rebels to their first 6-0 start since 1974 after defeating every non-conference opponent in the same season for the first time ever. UNLV, which has scored at least 30 points in its first six games for the first time in history, is tied for first place in the Mountain West with a 2-0 mark after last Saturday's home victory over Air Force.
 
This marks the fifth time Mullen has been on a Bryant Award watch list as he was named in 2014 while at Mississippi State and three times while leading Florida (2018-20).
 
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate excellence in coaching, to honor coach Bryant's legacy and to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. The coaching legend died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
 
Now in its 40th year, the Coach of the Year award winner will be presented Jan. 21, 2026, during the Association's annual Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year Awards ceremony, in Houston. The ceremony, presented by Memorial Hermann Health System, will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network.
 
The watch list, finalists and Coach of the Year recipient are voted on by the National Sports
Media Association, the Bryant Awards' Executive Leadership Team and the Bryant Family.
 
THE 2025 WATCH LIST
Bret Bielema – University of Illinois – Big Ten Conference
Curt Cignetti – Indiana University – Big Ten Conference
Mario Cristobal – University of Miami – Atlantic Coast Conference
Ryan Day – The Ohio State University – Big Ten Conference
Kalen DeBoer – University of Alabama – Southeastern Conference
Eliah Drinkwitz – University of Missouri – Southeastern Conference
Tony Elliott – University of Virginia - Atlantic Coast Conference
Mike Elko – Texas A&M University – Southeastern Conference
Matt Entz – Fresno State University – Mountain West Conference
Willie Fritz – University of Houston – Big 12 Conference
Alex Golesh – University of South Florida – American Athletic Conference
Josh Heupel – University of Tennessee – Southeastern Conference
Brian Kelly – Louisiana State University – Southeastern Conference
Brent Key – Georgia Tech - Atlantic Coast Conference
Lane Kiffin – University of Mississippi – Southeastern Conference
Dan Lanning – University of Oregon – Big Ten Conference
Clark Lea – Vanderbilt University – Southeastern Conference
Joey McGuire – Texas Tech University – Big 12 Conference
Dan Mullen – UNLV – Mountain West
Brian Newberry – United States Naval Academy – American Athletic Conference
Lincoln Riley – University of Southern California – Big Ten Conference
Scott Satterfield – University of Cincinnati – Big 12 Conference
Ryan Silverfield – University of Memphis – American Athletic Conference
Kalani Sitake – Brigham Young University – Big 12 Conference
Kirby Smart – University of Georgia – Southeastern Conference
Jon Sumrall – Tulane University – American Athletic Conference
Brent Venables – University of Oklahoma – Southeastern Conference
Kyle Whittingham – University of Utah – Big 12 Conference
 
UNLV heads into a showdown at Boise State on Saturday at 12:30 pm PT on FS1. The next home game is Nov. 1 vs. New Mexico at noon. Fans can still take advantage of the Showtime Deal which, for only $66, allows fans to attend the remaining three home games at Allegiant Stadium, with seating located on the north 200-level, including access to the Coors Light Landing. 
 
The Showtime Deal can be purchased online at UNLVtickets.com. In addition, fans can take advantage of the Kids Day special for Nov. 1, with tickets as low as $23.
 
For information on VIP premium club seats or suites at Allegiant Stadium, contact the Premium Sales office at premiumseating@unlv.edu or by calling (702) 739-FANS (3267).