From Analyst To Head Coach

Zachary Arnett: A Football Coaching Journey

From Analyst to Head Coach

Mississippi native Zachary Arnett has spent years honing his coaching skills in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Born on September 10, 1986, Arnett began his coaching career as an analyst at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) in 2017.

Challenging Head Coaching Debut

Arnett's most recent role was as the head coach at Mississippi State University (MSU). However, his tenure at MSU was cut short when he was fired on Monday with a 4-6 record in his first season. Despite the disappointing outcome, Arnett's leadership and determination throughout his time at Starkville have left a lasting impression on the program.

Defensive Coordinator Success

Prior to his head coaching role, Arnett served as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at MSU from 2020 to 2022. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs defense ranked among the top 25 nationally in several categories, including total defense, scoring defense, and pass defense efficiency. The team finished the 2022 season with an 8-4 record and ranked 20th in the country in total defense.

Navigating Challenges

Despite Arnett's success on the defensive side of the ball, the Bulldogs struggled on offense during his tenure as head coach. The team averaged just 20.4 points per game, which ranked 122nd in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Additionally, injuries to key players and a lack of depth ultimately contributed to the team's disappointing record.

Legacy and Future

Arnett's firing from MSU marks the end of an era for the Bulldogs football program. While his tenure as head coach was short-lived, his contributions to the defensive side of the ball cannot be overlooked. His leadership and passion will undoubtedly inspire future coaches and players alike.