Zach Arnett Abandons Air Raid at Mississippi State

The Air Raid era at Mississippi State is over. In his first significant action as the Bulldogs’ head coach, Zach Arnett is abandoning his old boss’s offense. Ross Dellenger reports former Appalachian State offensive coordinator Kevin Barbay will be Mississippi State’s next offensive coordinator.

A little background: Arnett has Mike Leach’s defensive coordinator over the last three years in Starkville. His 3-3-5 defense gave SEC opponents fits, drawing interest from other high-profile programs like Notre Dame, which he ultimately turned down to stay at Mississippi State. It’s one of the many reasons why the administration promoted Arnett following the sudden and tragic passing of Mike Leach in December.

Many believed Arnett would maintain continuity with the Bulldogs’ offense by possibly promoting QB coach Steve Spurrier Jr. to offensive coordinator. One wise analyst also suggested hiring a former colleague of Leach’s to run the offense, Samford head coach Chris Hatcher.

Instead of letting Will Rogers rip it in the Air Raid for one more season, Mississippi State’s quarterback will have to learn a whole new offense from a Jim McElwain disciple. Yes, that’s former Florida coach Jim McElwain.

Barbay is the third former App. State play-caller to get on the Kentucky football schedule in recent years, following Eli Drinkwitz and Scott Satterfield. Prior to his one season at App. State, Barbay followed Jim McElwain from Colorado State to Florida and Central Michigan, where he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2021.

Last year Barbay’s Mountaineers ran it 40 times per game, almost twice as many as Mississippi State’s 22.7 per game, the fewest in FBS football. It’s safe to say the Bulldogs’ offensive attack will look much differently when the Wildcats travel to Starkville Oct. 18. I don’t think Will Rogers will replicate his 36-for-39 performance the last time the two opponents met at Davis Wade Stadium.