University of Florida head football coach Dan Mullen has tested positive for COVID-19.
“Thank you Gator Nation for all your support for the program this week. Thankfully, everyone impacted is recovering well and has experienced mild to no symptoms,” Mullen tweeted. “I have also tested positive for COVID and have received word that my test has been confirmed. I’m continuing to self-isolate from my family, who all remain healthy, and am following all the guidelines set forth by UF Health, the CDC and our public health officials. I am proud of how our players, staff, and campus community have navigated this unprecedented time and hope all continue to be safe.”
Wednesday the Gators and the Southeastern conference officially announced that Saturday’s game against LSU has been postponed to, tentatively, December 12.
University of Florida Athletic Director Scott Stricklin told reporters on Wednesday afternoon that the Gators, at the time of his remarks, had 18 scholarship players testing positive and three walk-ons, 21 student-athletes total. On the SEC Teleconference Wednesday, Dan Mullen said that two other assistant coaches had tested positive, but that he had not.
The SEC testing program dictates that schools test Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday during the week but Florida began daily testing starting Sunday, October 11 after Associate Athletic Director Paul SIlversti was informed by several players that they were feeling flu-like symptoms. Florida’s testing from Sunday showed five new positives, which caused the university to make the decision to go to daily testing. Florida testing again on Monday, October 12, Tuesday, October 11 and their positive test results continued to rise, forcing the postponement of the LSU game.