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Mississippi State hires Zach Arnett as its new head coach

Former Ole Miss analyst will take over after Mike Leach's passing

Arnett, 36, has a proven track record as a defensive coordinator and is expected to bring an up-tempo offense to Starkville

Mississippi State University has hired Zach Arnett as the teams next head football coach following the death of Mike Leach on Monday.

Arnett, 36, has been an analyst at the University of Mississippi since 2023. Prior to that, Arnett spent three seasons as the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State from 2020 to 2022.

Arnett played a key role in the Bulldogs' 2022 season, which saw the team go 9-4 and win the ReliaQuest Bowl. Arnett's defense was ranked among the top 25 in the country in several categories, including scoring defense, rushing defense, and turnovers gained.

Arnett is known for his aggressive and attacking defensive style. He is expected to bring a similar approach to the offensive side of the ball, as he wants to install an up-tempo, pass-happy offense at Mississippi State.

Arnett is a native of Starkville, Mississippi, and he is a graduate of Mississippi State University. He began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Mississippi State in 2010.

"Zach Arnett is a proven leader who has a deep understanding of our football program and our university," Mississippi State athletic director John Cohen said in a statement. "He is a tireless worker and a great motivator, and I am confident that he will lead our football program to new heights."

Arnett is expected to be introduced as the new head coach of Mississippi State at a press conference on Tuesday.

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