Mississippi State Fires Head Football Coach Zach Arnett
Arnett's Tenure Cut Short After Just One Season
Leadership Change Needed, Says University
Mississippi State University has announced the firing of head football coach Zach Arnett effective immediately. The move comes after less than one season at the helm of the Bulldogs, following the tragic passing of Mike Leach just under a year ago. The decision was made after a thorough evaluation of the program's performance and future direction.
Arnett, who previously served as Mississippi State's defensive coordinator, was hired in December 2022 to lead the Bulldogs into a new era of football. However, the team struggled under his leadership, finishing the 2023 season with a disappointing 4-6 record (1-6 in SEC play). The Bulldogs' most recent loss, a 51-10 defeat to Texas A&M, proved to be the final straw for the university administration.
In a statement released by Mississippi State, the university cited a need for "strong and consistent leadership" in the football program. Athletic Director John Cohen stated, "After a comprehensive review of our football program, we have made the difficult decision to part ways with Coach Arnett. We appreciate his contributions to our university and wish him all the best in his future endeavors."
The search for a new head football coach at Mississippi State is expected to begin immediately. Offensive analyst Greg Knox has been appointed as interim head coach while the university conducts its search for a permanent replacement.
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