Five things Dan Mullen must change IMMEDIATELY

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Dec 30, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive coordinator Manny Diaz huddles up with the defense during a timeout in the fourth quarter against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the 2015 Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. The Bulldogs defeated the Wolfpack 51-28. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Leave the defensive coordinator alone.

Dan Mullen has changed defensive coordinators five times in eight years. Carl Torbush, Manny Diaz (twice) and Geoff Collins all left on their own accord. Chris Wilson was not fired but was pretty much fired.

Dan Mullen has a defensive philosophy which he forces down the DC’s throat. He wants to play bend but don’t break, don’t let ’em throw it over our heads and don’t blitz more than 5% of the time.

Defensive coordinators come and go. Mullen is highly critical of them despite not giving them autonomy. As we’ve discussed, he doesn’t hold his offensive coaching staff to the same standard.

Let Peter Sirmon do his own thing. Offensive-minded coaches across the country do this with great success. You can hold the DC to a standard of excellence all you want, but don’t micro-manage them.

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