Mississippi State Fires Zach Arnett: Where Could He Land Next?

Pandemonium in Starkville

In a shocking turn of events, Mississippi State has parted ways with head coach Zach Arnett after just one season. Arnett's dismissal comes on the heels of a disappointing 4-6 start to the 2023 campaign, leaving the Bulldogs in the SEC West cellar.

Arnett's Coaching Journey

Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1986, Arnett has quickly ascended through the ranks of college football. After a standout playing career at New Mexico State, he began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Mississippi State in 2012. He later served as defensive coordinator at San Diego State and Indiana before returning to Starkville as head coach in 2023.

Arnett's defensive acumen has been widely recognized throughout his career. Under his leadership, Mississippi State's defense ranked among the SEC's top performers in several statistical categories.

Potential Landing Spots

With Arnett now available on the coaching market, several programs could be vying for his services. Here are a few potential landing spots:

• Oklahoma State: The Cowboys have struggled defensively in recent years, and Arnett could provide a much-needed boost. Plus, he has a strong relationship with Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy.
• Texas Tech: The Red Raiders are in desperate need of defensive improvement, and Arnett's experience as a defensive coordinator in the Big 12 could make him an attractive candidate.
• Arkansas: The Razorbacks have also struggled defensively under head coach Sam Pittman, and Arnett could be a potential solution to their problems.

Only time will tell where Arnett's next destination will be. But one thing is for sure: his defensive expertise and coaching pedigree will make him a coveted target for programs looking to improve their on-field performance.