Mississippi State Fires Zach Arnett As Head Coach
Arnett Led Bulldogs To 5-7 Record In First Season
After less than one season as head coach, Zach Arnett has been fired by Mississippi State. The announcement was made Monday by athletic director Zac Selmon.
Arnett, 37, took over the Bulldogs in December 2022 after serving as defensive coordinator under Mike Leach. Mississippi State went 5-7 in Arnett's first season, including a 2-6 record in SEC play.
Arnett's Tenure Marked By Defensive Improvement
Despite the team's overall record, Arnett's Bulldogs showed improvement on defense. They allowed an average of 26.8 points per game, down from 32.5 in 2022. They also forced 20 turnovers, tied for second in the SEC.
However, the team struggled offensively, averaging just 21.8 points per game. They also had the second-worst rushing offense in the SEC, averaging just 85.6 yards per game.
Arnett's firing comes as a surprise to many, as he was considered a rising star in the coaching ranks. He was previously the defensive coordinator at San Diego State and had helped lead the Bulldogs to a top-10 ranking in total defense in 2022.
It remains to be seen who will replace Arnett as Mississippi State's head coach. The Bulldogs are expected to begin their search immediately, with hopes of finding a coach who can lead them to greater success in the SEC.
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