re: Why would Dan Mullen leave Mississippi St?

Because it's Mississippi State.

One thing LSU would be willing to offer that might be tougher for State is a much higher paid staff. Alleva opened up the checkbook for Miles, which is likely the biggest reason he is on the hot seat right now. It's hard to justify having this level of pay for a staff that isn't producing like results on the field.

However, that is going to be a selling point for the next guy. Plenty of programs will break the bank for the head man, and end up cutting corners on the staff to compensate. Alleva has proven that he will go get who the head coach wants.

The one exception to this was the DC fiasco last year, but I don't think that was a penny pinching move due to budget constraints on Alleva's part. Considering all the rumors and no comments flying around right now, that looks like a vote of no confidence in Miles a year in advance, and an effort to limit the buyout they are looking at having to pay now. I have a feeling that Alleva EXPECTED this to happen and was laying the groundwork early.