Mike Leach appears to have found his next defensive coordinator.

Pete Thamel of Yahoo Sports is reporting, per sources, that, “Mississippi State is expected to hire Zach Arnett as defensive coordinator.”

Arnett was hired by Syracuse earlier this month. Arnett most recently coached at San Diego State. The 2019 season was Arnett’s second as the team’s defensive coordinator. He also coached the Aztecs’ linebackers, a position he held for four seasons prior to taking on additional duties as defensive coordinator. Arnett’s units run the 3-3-5 defense.

Navy defensive coordinator Brian Newberry was initially reported as Leach’s top target for the position, but FootballScoop reported Tuesday that it was looking “unlikely” that Newberry was heading to MSU.

Thamel opines that despite Mississippi State having new coaches and schemes on both sides of the ball, opponents will not look forward to facing the Bulldogs.

“With Leach’s offense and Arnett’s defense, State is going to be a royal pain for everyone to prepare for,” Thamel tweeted. “The 3-3-5 is one of the most unique defenses in college football.”