Mississippi State Fires Coach Zach Arnett After Less Than One Season

Former Analyst at Ole Miss Shows Little Promise in New Role

Starkville, MS - January 30, 2023

Mississippi State University has fired football coach Zach Arnett after less than one season at the helm. The announcement was made on Monday, January 30, by athletic director Zac Selmon.

Arnett, 36, was hired in December 2021 to replace Mike Leach, who left for Mississippi State. Prior to his stint as head coach, Arnett served as an analyst at the University of Mississippi. He has also held coaching positions at San Diego State, Missouri, and South Alabama.

Mississippi State went 3-9 in Arnett's first season as head coach. The Bulldogs finished last in the Southeastern Conference Western Division and were outscored by their opponents by an average of 14.5 points per game.

Arnett's firing comes as a surprise to many, as he was considered a rising star in the coaching ranks. However, his team's poor performance on the field and his lack of experience as a head coach may have played a role in his dismissal.

Mississippi State will now begin a search for a new head coach. The Bulldogs are hoping to find someone who can bring stability and success to the program.