Mississippi State fires Zach Arnett, head coach, succeeding late Mike Leach

Mississippi State fires head coach Zach Arnett after a 5-6 record, appointing Greg Knox as interim coach for the 2023 season.

Mississippi State made the decision to part ways with Zach Arnett on Monday, marking the end of his tenure as head coach after less than a full season. Arnett took over the Bulldogs following the tragic passing of Mike Leach due to a heart issue, and leaves the university with a 5-6 record, including a 4-6 mark this season. The program is currently tied for last in the Southeastern Conference West Division at 1-6.

In the wake of Arnett's departure, senior offensive analyst Greg Knox, a seasoned coach with 28 years of experience in the SEC, has been appointed as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2023 season. Mississippi State has upcoming games against Southern Mississippi and rival Mississippi.

Arnett, who was in the first year of a four-year contract, was the youngest head coach in the SEC and the first of Hispanic descent in league history. Despite his commitment to maintaining the team's intensity, Mississippi State faced a challenging schedule, including games against ranked opponents LSU and Alabama. Additionally, the team struggled after quarterback Will Rogers suffered an injury.

Athletics director Zac Selmon emphasized the need for a change in leadership to position the football program for success. While expressing respect for Arnett's efforts, Selmon stated that the on-field results did not meet expectations. The decision to part ways with Arnett was made to ensure the program's future success.

Selmon announced that Arnett's coaching staff will remain with the team for the remainder of the season, and a search firm will be utilized to find the next head coach. The university aims to conduct a thorough search to ensure the hiring of the best person for Mississippi State.

Despite the surprising nature of an in-season coaching change, the university is mindful of the upcoming signing period and the impact on recruiting. Mississippi State's decision to promote Arnett to interim coach and then head coach following Leach's passing was intended to maintain continuity within the program and convey stability to recruits.

Selmon acknowledged the challenging circumstances Arnett faced in taking over the Bulldogs after Leach's death. He recognized Arnett's positive impact on the team and expressed gratitude for his contributions to Mississippi State.

Following several seasons of high-octane offense under Leach, the Bulldogs transitioned to a pro-style scheme under Kevin Barbay, which has not yielded the same level of success. The team currently ranks last in the SEC in scoring and next to last in total offense.

Defensively, the Bulldogs have struggled, ranking 10th in the league in yards allowed per game. Arnett's tenure as defensive coordinator had previously led to a strong defensive unit for the Bulldogs.

Greg Knox, who has previously served as interim coach at Mississippi State and Florida, now steps into the role once again. He emphasized the importance of maintaining consistency for the players and expressed his commitment to being himself in the position.

The university is focused on finding the right fit for the head coaching position, taking into account the unique challenges of the current college football landscape. The goal is to ensure the long-term success of the football program at Mississippi State.

In conclusion, the decision to part ways with Zach Arnett as head coach marks a new chapter for Mississippi State football. The university is committed to conducting a thorough search for the next head coach and positioning the program for success in the future.