UNLV Football: Dan Mullen Hires Zach Arnett as Defensive Coordinator

Dominic Robinson | Dec 23, 2024

New UNLV Defensive Coordinator Zach Arnett / John David Mercer-Imagn Images

UNLV head coach Dan Mullen has made a splashy addition to his staff by hiring Zach Arnett as the Rebels’ new defensive coordinator. Arnett, the former head coach at Mississippi State and one of the most respected defensive minds in college football, brings experience and a proven track record to a UNLV program looking to build on its recent success.

Arnett has utilized a 3-3-5 defensive scheme, which emphasizes versatility and aggression. I’m sure Mullen enjoyed the fact that Arnett's defenses have consistently frustrated opposing offenses during his coaching career. During his time at Mississippi State as defensive coordinator, his units ranked among the nation’s best in turnovers forced and red-zone defense which are the recipe for winning football. Now, he’ll look to instill that same mentality at UNLV, a team that has shown promise under former Coach Barry Odom’s leadership but seeks to take the next step and win the conference.

Mullen praised Arnett’s football acumen and ability to develop players, calling the hire a “game-changer” for the Rebels. “Zach is a relentless competitor who knows how to maximize talent and build elite defenses. His vision aligns perfectly with what we’re building here at UNLV,” Mullen said.

Arnett’s arrival is a clear statement of intent from Mullen and UNLV, signaling that the program is serious about contending in the Mountain West. With Arnett running the defense, the Rebels are poised to become one of the league’s toughest teams to score against.

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Published Dec 23, 2024|Modified Dec 23, 2024

DOMINIC ROBINSON

D Rob is a lifetime Coach and trainer of all sports who began working as a consultant and analyst behind the scenes in 2020. In 2022 began his tenure in front of the camera as part of the Warchant Gameday crew, providing feedback and analysis during the "Warchant Watch Along" show, a distinctive opportunity for fans who want to watch the game from the perspective of a former player and Coach. His time on that show spawned appearances on "Sunday Smash" and his own show "FSU Film Breakdown" ( In which he uses All 22 film footage) digging deeper into the concepts, schemes and plays that are writing the story of the season for Florida State and its opponents. D Rob also provides a unique prospective assessment of coaches and recruits as he coached in the college ranks for many years, coaches and trains athletes currently. Dominic, a California native, played both baseball and football at FSU from 2001-2004 currently runs 3D Sports Performance out of Phoenix, Arizona and works as a consultant