The Dan Mullen era in Las Vegas begins with more than just a new offensive philosophy it comes with a retooled coaching staff blending NFL experience, Power Five success, and program familiarity. From national champions to former Rebels, this group is built to sustain UNLV’s recent momentum while pushing the program into new territory.
Head Coach – Dan Mullen
A proven program builder with 103 career wins, Dan Mullen was hired on December 12, 2024, after three years as an ESPN analyst. His résumé includes eight years at Mississippi State, four at Florida, and a reputation as one of college football’s top offensive minds. Mullen’s Florida teams made three straight New Year’s Six bowls, produced 76 NFL Draft picks, and led the nation in passing in 2020. Known for quarterback development, he’s coached the likes of Alex Smith, Tim Tebow, Dak Prescott, and C.J. Stroud.
“Our goal is to be the premier program in the Mountain West,” Mullen said at his introduction. “We’re going to compete for championships on a regular basis, and we’re going to make this city and this state proud.”
Associate Head Coach / Safeties / Interim Defensive Coordinator – Paul Guenther
A 21-year NFL veteran coach, Paul Guenther brings a defensive pedigree forged in Cincinnati, Oakland, Las Vegas, Minnesota, and Dallas. As Bengals defensive coordinator (2014–17), his units ranked fifth in the NFL in points allowed and set a franchise record for fewest points allowed per game (17.4 in 2015). He coached eight Pro Bowlers in that span and helped Cincinnati reach five straight postseasons. Guenther also coordinated the Raiders’ defense (2018–20) and served as defensive run game coordinator for the Cowboys in 2024. A former head coach at his alma mater, Ursinus College, Guenther now leads UNLV’s defense and safeties unit.
Offensive Coordinator / Quarterbacks – Corey Dennis
Hired January 3, 2025, Dennis arrives after a year as Tulsa’s passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, following nine seasons at Ohio State. From 2020–23, he led the Buckeyes’ QB room, producing three Heisman finalists and first-round NFL picks in C.J. Stroud, Justin Fields, and Dwayne Haskins. A 247Sports 30-under-30 honoree, Dennis helped Ohio State to four Big Ten titles and major bowl wins in the Rose, Fiesta, and Cotton Bowls. A former Georgia Tech receiver, Dennis is tasked with sharpening quarterback play in Mullen’s system.
Special Teams Coordinator – Adam Scheier
With 29 years of coaching experience, Scheier is a special teams specialist who has built elite units at Temple, Rutgers, Texas Tech, Wake Forest, Bowling Green, and Ohio State. At Temple, his kickers hit record-breaking field goals of 64 and 60 yards in 2024, while his Rutgers units set an NCAA record for net punting (45.82) in 2021. Scheier’s career has produced Ray Guy and Lou Groza Award finalists, multiple All-Americans, and top-10 national rankings in return defense and punt efficiency. He’s known for creative, disciplined units capable of flipping field position and momentum.
Wide Receivers – Del Alexander
(Holdover)
Returning for his third stint at UNLV, Alexander stepped in as interim head coach for the 2024 LA Bowl, leading the Rebels to a 24–13 win over Cal the program’s first bowl victory in 24 years. His 2024 receivers unit was one of the best in school history, led by All-American Ricky White III, who broke the single-season receiving record with 1,483 yards. Alexander’s career includes stops at Notre Dame, Arizona State, Wisconsin, Oregon State, and the San Diego Chargers, producing multiple NFL draft picks and College Football Playoff appearances.
Linebackers – Bam Amina
(Holdover)
At just 24 years old, former Rebel linebacker Bam Amina is one of the youngest position coaches in Division I football. Promoted from graduate assistant in 2024, he also served as a student assistant after his playing career was cut short. A Bishop Gorman product who transferred to UNLV from Colorado State, Amina brings energy, relatability, and deep program ties to the linebacker room.
Running Backs – Quinton Ganther
A former NFL back and two-time All-Mountain West selection at Utah, Ganther arrives from his alma mater, where his rushing attacks ranked top-three in the Pac-12 in both 2022 and 2023. In 2022, Utah set a school record with 38 rushing touchdowns and gained over 3,000 yards on the ground. Ganther previously coached at Weber State, helping the Wildcats to three Big Sky titles and four straight FCS playoff appearances, and has NFL coaching experience with Jacksonville and Seattle.
Defensive Line – Ricky Logo
(Holdover)
Logo joined UNLV in 2022 and immediately helped the Rebels win a Mountain West regular-season title, with ten different linemen recording sacks in 2023. His career spans stops at ULM, Washington State, Hawai‘i, Colorado State, Houston, Vanderbilt, Troy, Furman, and UT Chattanooga, producing multiple All-Conference players and mentoring NFL stars Osi Umenyiora and DeMarcus Ware. A former NC State captain and All-ACC selection, Logo brings veteran leadership and trench toughness.
Tight Ends / Run Game Coordinator – Adrian Mayes
Hired January 3, 2025, Mayes comes from Tulsa, where he coached both running backs and tight ends while coordinating the run game. At North Texas, he developed Freshman All-American Var’Keyes Gumms and other All-Conference tight ends. His résumé also includes time at Texas State, Houston, Ohio State (2014 national champions), and Rice, plus NFL internships with the New York Jets and Los Angeles Chargers. A former Kansas offensive guard and two-time All-Big 12 honoree, Mayes brings versatility and recruiting experience to the staff.
Offensive Line – Mike Sollenne
Sollenne reunites with Mullen after coaching under him at Florida, later spending three seasons at Ohio State where he helped produce one of the Big Ten’s top offensive lines. In 2024, the Buckeyes led the league and ranked eighth nationally in fewest sacks allowed. A 247Sports 30-under-30 honoree in 2023, Sollenne has also coached at Austin Peay and Nassau Community College. A former First Team All-NE-10 offensive tackle at LIU Post, he’s charged with anchoring Mullen’s up-tempo spread with physical, disciplined line play.
Cornerbacks – Akeem Davis
A former NFL defensive back, Davis enters his second season coaching UNLV’s corners after a 2023 campaign that produced 17 team interceptions, tied for fourth in the nation. His top pupil, Cameron Oliver, tied for the Mountain West lead with five picks and earned multiple First Team All-Mountain West honors. Davis previously coached at Austin Peay and Southern Miss, mentoring All-Americans and All-Conference performers. Off the field, he runs the AD47 Football Leadership Academy, a free youth camp focused on character and leadership.
Bottom Line:
From seasoned NFL coordinators to young, hungry position coaches, Mullen’s first UNLV staff is a blend of experience, energy, and proven player development. The mix of holdovers and fresh hires ensures continuity from recent success while injecting new ideas and systems. Week 0 against Idaho State will be the first look at how this group works together and how high they can push the Rebels in year one of the Mullen era.