The Mississippi State Bulldogs have made the move to fire head coach Zach Arnett, according to multiple reports. Arnett, who took over following the tragic passing of decorated coach Mike Leach, had his work cut out for him in Starkville, but after 10 games in 2023, the Bulldogs will look to the future.
Those around the country, though, commend Arnett for the effort he put into an unthinkable job after Leach’s passing.
Mississippi State Fires Head Coach Zach Arnett
It could be said that Arnett had more to do as the head coach of a major college football program than any other coach in the country. Arnett had to replace a legend, a mentor, a friend, and an offensive genius.
Famous for his defensive prowess, Arnett’s defense was certainly not the problem during his 10-game tenure in 2023. Mississippi State allowed quite a few points, but playing top-notch defense is nearly impossible with an offense that averaged just 16.5 first downs per game and just 21.4 points per contest.
A stark comparison to a Leach-led offense that was typically at the front of the pack in point categories.
Mississippi State went 1-6 in conference play during Arnett’s tenure in 2023. They stood at 4-6 overall with victories over SE Louisiana, Arizona, Western Michigan, and Arkansas.
Zach Arnett Coaching Resume
Still a young coach, it’s almost a guarantee that Arnett finds another high-profile job in the college football realm. A former linebacker himself, Arnett started his coaching journey in 2011 and has risen to prominence over the years.
- San Diego State – Graduate Assistant (2011-2013)
- San Diego State – Linebackers Coach (2014-2017)
- San Diego State – Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach (2018-2019)
- Mississippi State – Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach (2020)
- Mississippi State – Defensive Coordinator/Safeties Coach (2021-2022)
- Mississippi State – Head Coach (2022-2023)
Arnett was given the interim head coach position following Leach’s hospitalization. Following Leach’s passing, Mississippi State removed the interim tag and he was named the 35th head coach on December 15, 2022.
The Bulldogs have two remaining games and weren’t out of bowl eligibility when they fired Arnett in 2023.