If Mullen wanted the Oregon job, he would be flying to the Northwest right now. Oregon has Nike money, they'd match plus his salary. No way they chose Willie Taggert over Mullen. None.

Either a. There really wasn't anything of substance to this rumor. Maybe they gauged his interest.

Or b. He told them he wanted to stay in Starkville (as bad as that may sound to some folks)

There is no other scenario.