Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens walked into his house after a five-day, speed dating-like hiring process that began on Dec. 6 when football coach Mario Cristobal left for Miami.
It was Dec. 11 and Mullens had just announced the hire of Georgia defensive coordinator Dan Lanning to be the Ducks' replacement. Mullens was relieved but exhausted when he arrived home to find his teenage sons, Cooper and Tanner, huddled around a phone listening to Oregon fans celebrating the hire.
Mullens didn't know what he was hearing, but he liked it. The positivity was flowing, and it was enough to make the 52-year-old hope he could offer his appreciation for their support and enthusiasm.