Jamey Chadwell, Rhett Lashlee could be intriguing targets for Mississippi State

Mississippi State is in the market for a head coach after firing Zach Arnett earlier this week.

Paul Jones of Maroon and White Daily joined Andy Staples recently to discuss some potential targets for the Bulldogs.

According to Jones, two intriguing options are Liberty head coach Jamey Chadwell and SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee.

“You know, I think Chadwell is very intriguing. I know there’s been rumors. Obviously he’s paid well at Liberty. That surprises some people, but Liberty’s got money,” Jones said. “You don’t know the exact terms of his buyout. I think Rhett Lashlee’s a very attractive candidate, too. I think if this was previously, two years ago, that he may be my odds on favorite to get the job. But now you look at SMU, we know they’ve got a ton of money, and they’re fixing to go to the ACC. If that wasn’t a factor, then I think he may be odds on favorite to make that move.

“Obviously he’s familiar with the SEC and had success here. But to me, Chadwell is very, very intriguing.”

Jamey Chadwell is in his first season at Liberty, after an impressive run at Coastal Carolina. He reached the 11-win mark twice during his time at Coastal and currently has Liberty at 10-0 in his first season with the Flames.

Lashlee is in his second season at SMU, and the Mustangs are currently 8-2 (6-2). SMU’s only losses this season are to Big 12 programs Oklahoma and TCU. Lashlee has previously worked as the offensive coordinator at Auburn earlier in his career.

Jones believes that SEC experience could be valuable for Mississippi State.

“[Andy] you’ve been around the SEC. It’s such a different animal. It’s such a different mindset. And I’ve seen some coaches come in here that I thought would be successful just get chewed up,” Jones said. “It’s so competitive, and it’s a 24-7 deal. It’s a situation where coaches that I thought were really good coaches and had a very good chance of succeeding just get chewed up and spit out. But you know, I think Chadwell – that is a negative that he hasn’t been in a Power 5. But I think you have to look at his success and what he’s done at that level.”

There’s no doubt that Chadwell has been as good as just abut anybody at the non-Power 5 level.

He has an 11-win season at North Greenville on his resume, reached double-digit wins twice in four seasons at Charleston Southern, won 11 games twice at Coastal Carolina and currently has Liberty undefeated in his first season with the Flames.

There’s no doubt that Jamey Chadwell and Rhett Lashlee are intriguing options for Mississippi State.