Mississippi State Fires Head Football Coach Zach Arnett After One Season

Arnett Compiled a 4-6 Record in 2023, His First Year as Head Coach

Mississippi State has fired head football coach Zach Arnett after just one season, the university announced Monday. Arnett, who had served as the interim head coach in 2022, compiled a 4-6 record in 2023, including a 1-6 mark in SEC play.

Arnett Was a Proven Leader for Mississippi State

Arnett, a former player at Mississippi State, had been a proven leader for the program throughout his tenure in Starkville. He was a two-time team captain and earned All-SEC honors as a defensive back. After his playing career, Arnett joined the coaching staff as a graduate assistant and worked his way up to defensive coordinator.

In January 2021, Arnett was named interim head coach after Mike Leach was placed on leave due to health concerns. Leach passed away in December 2021, and Arnett was named the permanent head coach in February 2022.

The Bulldogs had a promising start to the 2023 season, winning their first two games. However, the team struggled in SEC play, losing six of its first seven games. Mississippi State finished the season with a 4-6 record, including a 24-22 loss to rival Ole Miss in the Egg Bowl.

Arnett's firing comes as a surprise to many, as he was expected to be given more time to turn the program around. However, Mississippi State's administration apparently felt that a change was needed in order to take the program to the next level.