The Mississippi State Bulldogs have been in flux since the unexpected death of former head coach Mike Leach. So, the university turned to former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby to right the ship in 2024.
What did we learn from the new Mississippi State head coach at SEC Media Days?
What Did Mississippi State Head Coach Jeff Lebby Say at SEC Media Days?
1) Four Things: Have Fun, Be Tough, Be Competitive, Be Accountable
Lebby opened by discussing what he talks about non-stop during practice: having fun, being tough, being competitive, and being accountable.
These four things gave fans an inside look into what Lebby wants from his team. That helped inform a bit of what Lebby looks for from his team, and gave some insight into why he brought the three players he did to SEC Media Days.
Lebby said quarterback Blake Shapen is one of the toughest players on the team. As a quarterback guy, Lebby wanted to have a quarterback who fit the program, and Shapen does that, per Lebby.
2) Blending Year 1 and the Long Term
Lebby talked multiple times about the importance of finding a long-term blueprint in Starkville, but at the same time, finding a way to be successful in Year 1. For Lebby, that means leaning heavier on transfers this year than he plans to do in the future.
Like most coaches, Lebby stated he wants to build through high school recruiting. But Lebby also mentioned the rich Junior College tradition in the state of Mississippi and utilizing that as an advantage in modern recruiting.
Lebby will have to rely heavily on transfers after losing 10 starters on offense and eight on defense. Lebby made it clear that the blueprint in 2024 might not be the same as the blueprint after 2024.
3) Mississippi State Will Still Play Fast Under the New Rules
Helmet communications for the first 25 seconds of the play clock might change some offenses, but Lebby still plans to play fast.
“We’ll never be any different than the mindset that we get to dictate the game when we’re on offense,” Lebby said in response to a question about pace.
Lebby’s offenses have traditionally been some of the fastest in college football. Just because the rules have changed doesn’t mean Lebby will change his tune. In the SEC, where depth and line play are so important, it will be interesting to see if Lebby’s approach will continue to baffle defenses.
While Lebby wouldn’t completely tip his hand about whether or not he’ll use signs, he talked about the cat-and-mouse game between offenses and defenses in the league to try to get a leg up.
It’s clear Lebby wants to dictate the pace — and the game — while on offense, and it will be interesting to see exactly how he does that at Mississippi State.
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