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Ole Miss analyst Joe Judge receives elevated title; Zach Arnett headed to UNLV

Ben Garrettby: Ben Garrett12/18/24SpiritBen
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Ole Miss analyst Zach Arnett is headed to UNLV to become Dan Mullen's DC (Photo credit: Bruce Newman/Ole Miss Spirit)

Lane Kiffin’s approach to Ole Miss staff-building last off-season was similar to that of Nick Saban — a football mentor and the legendary, one-time Alabama head coach.

Saban surrounded himself with former and future head coaches. Kiffin was his offensive coordinator, while current Georgia head coach Kirby Smart was his defensive coordinator. Billy Napier, now at Florida, was his wide receivers coach. Saban had Bill O’Brien, among others, in off-field roles. O’Brien is the head coach at Boston College.

Kiffin, likewise, brought on, among others, former New York Giants head coach Joe Judge. Judge interviewed this off-season for head coaching vacancies at both Temple and UMass. 

He’s currently slated to return to Ole Miss with an elevated title of senior analyst. He’s worked almost exclusively with the offense, particularly the quarterbacks and offensive line.

“Joe Judge interviewed for the UMass head coaching vacancy, per sources,” The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reported a few weeks ago. “Lots of mutual interest. Ole Miss made a strong push to keep Judge, so he ultimately decided to pull out of consideration. Judge is the former Giants HC and long-time Patriots special teams coordinator.”

Zach Arnett was hired in March after three seasons at in-state rival Mississippi State. 

He took over as Bulldog head coach following the passing of Mike Leach. 

Arnett was State’s defensive coordinator before he was head coach. His 2022 defense allowed 23.1 points per game.

The Ole Miss Spirit reported last month Arnett was receiving coordinator interest. Arnett this week seemed on the cusp of becoming the new DC at App State. He was even floated earlier in the off-season as a potential candidate at Florida State.

Arnett is instead headed to UNLV to join the staff of another former Mississippi State head coach, Dan Mullen. He’ll serve as defensive coordinator for Mullen, according to Football Scoop.

“He’s added a lot of experience to our defense,” Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery said. “I think everybody gains knowledge from him — not only the players, but the coaches as well. He does a great job with just helping anywhere he can. He’s got a lot of experience, and his knowledge, he helps with the defensive line, linebackers and even defensive backs. He talks to everybody. I think that’s where it comes in the most.”

Arnett was Mississippi State’s defensive coordinator for all three seasons under Leach. 

He was twice nominated for the Broyles Award, which is awarded annually to college football’s top assistant.

The Bulldogs in 2022 were second in the SEC in turnovers (22). They were fifth in total defense (350.3), rushing defense (143.6) and pass defense (206.8).

“Zach’s been great to have around,” Kiffin previously said of Arnett. “Very different systems between what he does and what (Ole Miss defensive coordinator) Pete (Golding) does, so I think it’s been really great for him to have around. He does a great job. 

“Really, no job’s too small. He helps run different parts of the service team and stuff. I can see why he’s been a great coordinator and a great motivator of players.”

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