Mississippi State Fires Head Football Coach Zach Arnett

Arnett Led Bulldogs for Less Than One Season

Starkville, MS - January 11, 2023 -

Mississippi State University has dismissed head football coach Zach Arnett after less than one season at the helm. The news comes just under a year since Arnett took over the Bulldogs program following the tragic passing of Mike Leach.

Arnett, 36, was hired by Mississippi State in 2020 as the team's defensive coordinator. He was promoted to interim head coach after Leach's death in December 2022 and was named the full-time head coach in January 2023.

During his lone season as head coach, the Bulldogs finished with a record of 6-7, including a 3-5 mark in SEC play. The team's season ended with a loss to Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

Mississippi State athletic director John Cohen thanked Arnett for his contributions to the program but said the decision to fire him was made after "careful consideration."

"We appreciate all that Zach has done for our football program during his time here," Cohen said. "He is a great coach and an even better person. We wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."

A search for Arnett's replacement is expected to begin immediately.