Mississippi State Football to Promote Zach Arnett as Head Coach

Arnett, 36, will be the third-youngest head coach in the FBS.

The Mississippi State football program is hiring interim coach, defensive coordinator and linebackers coach Zach Arnett as its full-time head coach, according to Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger.

Arnett, 36, replaces Bulldogs coach Mike Leach, who died Monday night at age 61 after suffering a massive heart attack Sunday.

In the wake of Leach’s medical emergency, Mississippi State named Arnett interim head coach. On Wednesday, Arnett became the third-youngest head coach in the FBS, behind only 32-year-old Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham and 35-year-old South Alabama coach Kane Wommack.

Under Arnett, the Bulldogs ranked fifth in the SEC in passing defense, rushing defense and total defense in 2022.

• Dellenger: Inside Zach Arnett’s Abrupt Ascension at Mississippi State

Arnett, who played linebacker at New Mexico from 2005-08 under coach Rocky Long, began his coaching career under Long at San Diego State. After six years with the Aztecs and an 11-day stint as Syracuse’s defensive coordinator, Arnett joined Leach’s staff before the 2020 season.

Arnett is scheduled to make his head coaching debut on Jan. 2 when Mississippi State meets Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Fla.