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Matt Brock set to make return to Mississippi State as Co-Defensive Coordinator

3rupauk8_400x400by: Robbie Faulk4 hours agoRobbieFaulkOn3

A return to Starkville for Zach Arnett has also triggered a return for another familiar face on the defensive side of the ball.

Former Mississippi State linebackers coach and defensive coordinator Matt Brock is set to rejoin Arnett with the Bulldog defense in 2026. The University confirmed the news on Wednesday that Brock will be State’s new linebackers coach and will be Co-Defensive Coordinator with Arnett.

“We’re fired up to bring Matt back to Mississippi State. He’s an elite teacher and a rigorous game planner who is as detailed and thorough as anybody in this profession,” Lebby said of Brock. “Matt is a relentless recruiter, he develops players at a high level and he understands exactly how Zach wants to attack on defense. His experience, energy and preparation make him a huge addition for our program.”

Brock comes back to the Bulldogs after a successful stint as the DC for UConn the last two seasons. With the Huskies, Brock’s defense was eighth nationally this year in sacks with 36.0 and fifth in sacks per game with 3.0. In 2024, the Huskies were fourth in the country on third downs holding teams to 28% and they were top 50 nationally in total defense with 347 yards per game and 132 yards rushing.

Back during his first trip to Starkville, Brock started off coaching special teams and linebackers and then moved exclusively to the linebacker group in 2021. With State, he helped produce the SEC’s top two tacklers two seasons in a row as Jett Johnson and Bookie Watson dominated the stat sheet.

When Arnett was promoted to head coach of the Bulldogs, Brock earned a spot as the DC. State’s defense that season finished fifth in the SEC in passing defense (204.7) and sixth in total defense (350.6).

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to Mississippi State and be part of what Coach Lebby is building,” Brock said. “My time here had a lasting impact on my family and I’ve always valued the people and the standard of this program. I fully believe in the direction the program is headed, and I’m excited to get to work.”

There is still a question on the rest of the staff for Arnett that should be settled in the coming weeks. The Bulldogs still have decisions to make on the defensive line, at cornerback and safety.

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