Zach Arnett Now

Mississippi State Fires Football Coach Zach Arnett After One Season

Bulldogs Post 5-6 Record Under First-Year Head Coach

Arnett Named Interim Head Coach After Mike Leach's Hospitalization

Mississippi State has parted ways with football coach Zach Arnett after just one season at the helm, the school announced on Monday. The decision comes after the Bulldogs finished the 2023 campaign with a 5-6 record, including a disappointing 51-10 loss in their final game.

Arnett was named interim head coach in December 2022 following the hospitalization of long-time head coach Mike Leach. Arnett had previously served as the Bulldogs' defensive coordinator under Leach.

Mississippi State athletic director Zac Selmon cited the team's struggles on the field as the reason for the decision to fire Arnett.

"We appreciate Zach's hard work and dedication to Mississippi State," Selmon said in a statement. "However, after careful evaluation, we believe that a change in leadership is necessary to move our football program forward."

The search for Arnett's replacement will begin immediately. The Bulldogs have a number of potential candidates on their staff, including offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay and defensive coordinator Matt Brock.

Mississippi State is hoping to bounce back from a disappointing season under Arnett. The Bulldogs have a talented roster, led by quarterback Will Rogers and running back Dillon Johnson. With a new head coach at the helm, Mississippi State will be looking to make a statement in the SEC in 2024.