Mississippi State Fires Head Coach Zach Arnett After One Season
Former Defensive Coordinator Takes the Reins as Offensive Analyst
Mississippi State University has announced the firing of head football coach Zach Arnett after just one season.
Reasons for Firing
The move comes following a disappointing 4-6 record in the 2023 season, including a 1-6 mark in Southeastern Conference (SEC) play.
The Bulldogs suffered a particularly embarrassing 51-10 defeat to Texas A&M on Saturday, November 11, 2023, which proved to be the final straw for the university.
Arnett's Legacy
Arnett had been promoted to head coach in December 2022 following the tragic passing of Mike Leach. Prior to that, he had served as the Bulldogs' defensive coordinator since 2020.
During his brief tenure as head coach, Arnett emphasized a focus on defense and discipline. However, the team struggled offensively, averaging just 21.3 points per game.
Future of the Program
Offensive analyst Greg Knox has been named interim head coach. The university is expected to launch a national search for a permanent replacement in the coming weeks.
Mississippi State athletic director John Cohen stated that the program is committed to fielding a competitive and successful football team in the SEC.
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