Highlights from Jeff Lebby at 2024 SEC Media Days

A recap of what Jeff Lebby said his first time behind the podium at SEC media days.

Jeff Lebby / Mississippi State Athletics

New Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby will take his first step toward becoming SEC official as he speaks on media days. It is an intriguing season ahead for the Bulldogs as they prepare for a complete overhaul. 

It will also be the third different MSU coach in as many years to speak at the annual conference media days. The former Oklahoma offensive coordinator will take the stage at 10:35 a.m. CT on SEC Network. 

This story will be updated regularly 

Greg Sankey introduces Lebby. He jokes that Lebby is the second most popular face around Starkville, with his son taking first place.

Lebby opening statement: I could not be more proud to represent Mississippi State in Dak Prescott country. We want our guys to know what to expect. I can not be proud of the guys because they have embraced that. We pride ourselves on having fun, competitive, tough, and accountable. We have 18-to 22-year-old kids who need a good college experience. I want people inside our building to have fun every day. He praises the SEC as the “most competitive” conference in the country.

Lebby on the players he brought with him. Albert Reese embodies exactly what we want from our offensive line and leadership. John Lewis has some experience but earned a starting job in Spring practice. Lewis changes position, takes it, and runs with it. I could not be more proud of Blake Shapen and what he has done so far. He has put us in a position to be successful in year one. I watched him at Baylor and said, “That’s my guy.”

Q: How daunting is it to return very few starters, and Nick Saban said he tried to hire you?

The portal cycle in December was essential for our success. Getting off the ground was very important, but that’s not who we are. We will be a developmental program.

It was an honor to talk with Coach Saban, and I could not be more thankful for the opportunity, but I needed to stay where I was.

Q: John Lewis is filling the gap for Bookie Watson and Jett Johnson. How confident are you that he can step up as a leader on and off the field?

Lewis has done that, and again, that is why he is here. Multiple guys in that room give us a chance to have depth. Stone Blanton has much-needed SEC experience, and he will help with that as well.

Q: How did the seasons with Lane Kiffin prepare you for the SEC?

Just understanding the week-to-week grind. It's weeks 1-12, and you have to figure out how to create depth, especially on the lines of scrimmage.

Q: You are coming into the SEC at the most challenging time but also welcoming in a 12-team playoff. How does that affect a program like Mississippi State, which is not a traditional power?

Expanding the playoffs will bring nothing but good. At Mississippi State, it opens a door, and we have to maximize every opportunity.

Q: Your offense has been ranked in the top ten in tempo every season. With the new rules of communicating with the quarterback for 15 seconds, do you plan on using the whole time or going even faster?

It’s a balancing act. You want to have ball control but also play with tempo. Being the aggressor is who we will be. I think it is a lot easier having the communication with the quarterback.

Q: You have emphasized accountability and toughness. Will you also rely on that in recruiting?

You have one opportunity to protect the program because you can control who is in the locker room.