Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen has added an assistant following some shakeups on the defensive side of his staff. And he’s reaching out to a former Bulldogs coach in the process.
Per a text message from Mullen to Brad Locke of djournal.com, former MSU defensive line coach David Turner is coming back to coach the same group. The news was originally reported by 247Sports and confirmed by the school a short time later.
Turner coached D-line for the Bulldogs from 2007-09 under Mullen and former head coach Sylvester Croom. Turner then coached briefly under former Kentucky coach Joker Phillips. The Wildcats hired Florida State defensive coordinator Mark Stoops late last year to replace Phillips.
MSU has been doing some moving and shaking after an 8-5 season that ended in a Gator Bowl loss to Northwestern. Co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Geoff Collins had the “co-" portion of that title removed last week as he took over full responsibilities as DC. Chris Wilson, former co-DC and defensive line coach, has since moved on to Georgia.
MSU cornerbacks coach Melvin Smith has left to coach the same position at Auburn. His position is still to be filled.