Mississippi State fires first-year head coach Zach Arnett

Mississippi State is moving on from Zach Arnett less than one year into his head coaching tenure, the program announced on Monday.

“Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon announced Monday that Zach Arnett has been relieved of his duties as head football coach effective immediately,” a press release from the Bulldogs read. “Selmon will hold a noon CT press conference Monday.”

Arnett was hired following the shocking and saddening death of Mike Leach, previously serving as the Bulldogs offensive coordinator under the late offensive-minded coach since 2020.

The now-former Bulldogs head coach lead the program to a bowl victory last season, where the team honored Leach on their way to a win in the ReliaQuest Bowl over Illinois. However, his first full season on the job hadn’t been going as swimmingly.

While Mississippi State started their season 2-0, with a victory that looks better and better each week over the Arizona Wildcats, SEC play hasn’t been kind to Arnett’s team. Their lone conference win came in a 7-3 slugfest against the disappointing Arkansas Razorbacks, and Mississippi State hasn’t been competitive in other games.

Over the last two weeks, Mississippi State has been outscored 75-13, a 24-3 loss to Kentucky followed by a 51-10 drubbing at the hands of Texas A&M. Ironically, the Aggies parted ways with Jimbo Fisher following the game, as well.

“As part of my thorough and continued evaluation, I have determined that a change in leadership is necessary to move our football program forward and position it for the highest level of success,” Mississippi State Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said, via a press release. “I have the utmost respect for Zach Arnett and am incredibly appreciative of the effort he put forth in leading our football program. However, the progress and on-field results have not been of the standard required for Mississippi State to achieve the level of success we need and expect.
 
“Zach took on an unprecedented and challenging situation last December. He provided the football program much needed leadership and stability during a tragic time. There is no question that he has made a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes during his time here. We are grateful for his contributions to Mississippi State and wish him the very best both personally and professionally.
 
“Starkville is a special place with incredible people. Our football program is an NFL factory in a recruiting footprint that is second to none and has previously shown it can compete at the highest level in the SEC. With Mississippi State’s history, tradition, devoted fan base and facilities, while competing in the nation’s best conference, I firmly believe we will attract someone who will bring a winning culture on-and-off the field and lead our program to new heights in today’s era of college football.”

Zach Arnett will surely be a in-demand defensive coordinator, and maybe he’ll get another chance to lead a program in the future. However, Mississippi State is moving in a different direction.