Chris Jans welcomes Jeff Lebby to Mississippi State

It’s an exciting time of the year for several major college athletics programs, fresh off a new hire in the football department. Mississippi State is one of them, having recently tapped Jeff Lebby as the program’s new head football coach.

On Tuesday, basketball coach Chris Jans welcomed Lebby to the fold.

“Congratulations to coach Lebby and his family,” Jans said. “I don’t know him personally but I definitely look forward to getting to meet him and his family and wish him the best of luck.”

Jans hasn’t been at Mississippi State very long himself, but he’s quickly ingratiated himself with the fans after a strong start. The Bulldogs won 21 games and reached the NCAA Tournament in his first season.

Currently Jans has Mississippi State 6-1, having only recently lost the first game of the season to Georgia Tech.

If Lebby can get off to a similar start in Starkville, he’ll be off and running with the fanbase behind him. Of course, it won’t be easy.

Roster management will be key

One of the biggest things coaches must manage in their transition to a new job is the roster. Often they’re walking into a situation where multiple players are looking to transfer out.

Such is the case at Mississippi State, where even starting quarterback Will Rogers has announced his plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.

Rogers penned a heartfelt note on his way out the door, right as Jeff Lebby arrived.

“To the Bulldog Family: As all of you know, I love the state of Mississippi. It’s been my honor to play for our state at Mississippi State University. I am thankful to have had the privilege of playing for Coach Leach, a legend and a friend, and for all of the other coaches who believed in me and gave their all to this program,” Rogers wrote.

“My teammates are my brothers for life and over these past 4 years, we created great memories and great moments. We left it all out there. Thanks to the fans who have supported us, through some really good times and through some really hard times. You guys mean more to us than you will ever know. I will carry my time at MSU with me forever, no matter where my path may lead. Hail State! –Will Rogers”

Why is the Will Rogers news so significant?

The veteran quarterback has thrown for 12,315 yards and 94 touchdowns in his career, against just 28 interceptions. He’s just about seen it all in the SEC.

Having a veteran starting quarterback like Rogers around would certainly aid in Year 1 of a rebuild. Transfer decisions aren’t final until someone enrolls elsewhere, so it’ll be interesting to see if Jeff Lebby tries to talk Rogers into sticking around.