"Yeah I heard about the report," Mullen told the Jackson Clarion-Ledger. "It's the most irresponsible reporting that I've ever heard of."
Mullen said he had not been so much as contacted by Penn State "or any other school." He then took it a step further.
"I blame it on rival institutions trying to ruin our recruiting, which we have dominated in this state over the past three years," Mullen said.
Penn State officials would not comment on the report.
Mullen, whose teams have gone 20-17 in his three years at Mississippi State, and 6-6 this season, was an assistant to Meyer at Bowling Green, Utah, and Florida. A quarterbacks coach, he guided a pair of future NFL quarterbacks, Utah's Alex Smith and Florida's Tim Tebow.
A source close to Penn State's football program said that Meyer had given a glowing endorsement of Mullen.
Meyer had drawn the interest of Penn State before he accepted the job at Ohio State last weekend.
"He really likes him and thinks he's a bright young guy with a real future," the source said.
Mullen signed a four-year contract extension with Mississippi State last January after rumors surfaced that he was being considered for the University of Miami opening. That deal, which includes a $1.4 million buyout, was worth $10.6 million.
Paterno was fired in response to a child sexual abuse scandal that has cost several Penn State administrators their jobs.
Longtime defensive coordinator Tom Bradley is interim coach and, according to acting athletic director Dave Joyner, remains a candidate.
On Monday, Penn State named a search committee assembled by Joyner to find Paterno's replacement. Its first meeting is scheduled for this week.
One member is Philadelphia investor Ira Lubert, a Penn State trustee and a partner in the real estate investment firm Lubert-Adler.
Contact staff writer Frank Fitzpatrick at 215-854-5068, ffitzpatrick@phillynews.com, or @philafitz on Twitter. Read his blog, "Giving 'Em Fitz," at www.philly.com/fitz
