Sports Illustrated

Bulldogs Part Ways With Head Coach Zach Arnett

Former MSU Defensive Coordinator Fired After Less Than One Season

Former Mississippi State defensive coordinator, Zach Arnett, has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Bulldogs after less than one season at the helm.

Arnett's Tenure in Starkville

Arnett, who played defensive back at Troy University from 2006 to 2009, joined Mississippi State as the defensive coordinator in 2018. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs' defense achieved notable success. In 2021, the unit ranked 25th nationally in total defense, allowing just 349.3 yards per game. It was also ranked among the top 30 in several other defensive categories, including scoring defense (24th), pass defense (17th), and rushing defense (22nd).

Head Coaching Career

Arnett was promoted to head coach of Mississippi State in December 2021 following the departure of former coach, Mike Leach. However, his tenure as head coach was short-lived. After leading the Bulldogs to a 6-7 record in his first season, Arnett was fired on January 16, 2023, just a few months after the conclusion of the season.

Reason for Firing

The university has not disclosed the specific reasons for Arnett's firing. However, it is speculated that the Bulldogs' disappointing performance in 2022, which included a 2-5 record in SEC play, may have been a contributing factor. Mississippi State finished the season unranked and failed to qualify for a bowl game.

Next Steps for Arnett

It is unclear what the next steps will be for Arnett. He may choose to explore other coaching opportunities or pursue a different career path. Regardless of his next move, Arnett is a talented coach with a proven track record of success. He will undoubtedly be an asset to any program he joins in the future.

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