Jeff Lebby named head coach of Mississippi State football team

Oklahoma's Jeff Lebby is likely the next head coach at Mississippi State, but it's unclear how this will affect Oklahoma.

It seems that the rumors swirling around for the past week are becoming more and more likely to come true. Jeff Lebby is reportedly on his way to Starkville to take on the role of head coach for the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

According to Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, Mississippi State has honed in on Lebby, who currently serves as the offensive coordinator for the Oklahoma Sooners, to fill the position left vacant by Zach Arnett. The Bulldogs had a tough season, finishing 5-7 overall and just 1-8 in SEC play.

Earlier in the week, reports from George Stoia of Sooner Scoop suggested that Lebby was a top contender for the head coaching position at Mississippi State. However, with the possibility of the Sooners playing in the Big 12 title game, Lebby had been noncommittal about his future. Now, with the Big 12 title picture becoming clearer after Oklahoma State's win over BYU, it seems that things are starting to move forward.

While a deal has not yet been finalized, Dellenger reports that discussions are expected to lead to Lebby being hired as the next head coach for Mississippi State. This move will bring Lebby to a program where the athletic director, Zac Selmon, is familiar with him. Selmon, a former assistant AD at Oklahoma, was involved in putting together Brent Venables' coaching staff upon his arrival at Oklahoma.

Lebby faced criticism for his playcalling during the Sooners' two-game losing streak to Kansas and Oklahoma State, which ultimately dashed Oklahoma's hopes for a Big 12 title. However, he finished the regular season strong with a three-game winning streak, during which the Sooners scored 59, 31, and 69 points, respectively.

Once Lebby's move to Mississippi State is finalized, the Sooners will need to begin their search for a new offensive coordinator. There are some popular names being thrown around, including offensive analyst Seth Littrell, but the program may also consider external options.

It's unclear how Lebby's departure might impact Oklahoma's current roster or their future recruiting classes. However, according to a story from OU Daily, it seems that his move to Starkville will not affect Jackson Arnold's status in Norman, which is a relief for the Sooners as they head into the offseason and prepare for their move to the SEC in 2024.