Continued success: Wins keep coming for former Ute assistants

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen is a man in demand these days. Getting to the BCS National Championship Game will do that to a guy.

Besides being bombarded with questions about the big game from reporters at every turn, the former Utah quarterbacks coach has taken a telephone call or two.

One in particular, though, was especially memorable. It came from star pupil Alex Smith of the San Francisco 49ers. The ex-Ute, who was the top overall pick in the 2005 NFL draft, wanted to know if his old position coach had any good tickets for Monday's showdown between Florida and Ohio State.

Mullen's response was swift.

"Probably not as good of ones as you can get," he said.

Maybe. Maybe not.

Things, after all, are good on both sides.

While Smith collected great financial rewards after Utah capped a perfect season with a 35-7 win over Pittsburgh in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, Mullen and those who followed head coach Urban Meyer in moving to Florida are also doing quite well.

"I think they've done a terrific job. We're at the national championship game," said all-American cornerback Ryan Smith, who has a unique perspective, having transferred to Florida after playing two seasons at Utah.

Mullen, however, notes there's a little more pressure accompanying this trip to the Valley of the Sun.

"A couple of years ago I think it was more of a celebration of a great season for us," he said. "This year, we're out here to try to win a national championship."

Joining Meyer, Mullen and Ryan Smith in the cause to do so are former Utah staffers Billy Gonzales (wide receivers), Chuck Heater (cornerbacks), John Hevesy (offensive line), Matt Balis (strength coach), Jon Clark (administrative assistant) and Brian Voltolini (video coordinator).

Ute coach Kyle Whittingham is looking forward to seeing his former colleagues work college football's biggest game.

"I couldn't be more excited to see those guys get this opportunity," he said.

Meyer's old Ute staff, he explained, got along well while achieving great success.

"It was an enjoyable time," said Whittingham, who is part of a Utah contingent attending the BCS title game. Others include athletic director Chris Hill and players Marty Johnson, Bo Nagahi, John Madsen, Alex Smith and Brian Johnson.