Zach Arnett is out as coach of Mississippi State, and the Bulldogs athletics director, Zac Selmon, has spelled out the reasons why.

The Bulldogs are 4-6 overall including 1-6 in the SEC and on Saturday lost to Texas A&M, 51-10.

“As part of my thorough and continued evaluation, I have determined that a change in leadership is necessary to move our football program forward and position it for the highest level of success,” Selmon said in a statement from the school. “I have the utmost respect for Zach Arnett and am incredibly appreciative of the effort he put forth in leading our football program. However, the progress and on-field results have not been of the standard required for Mississippi State to achieve the level of success we need and expect.”

Selmon acknowledged that Arnett took on an unprecedented and challenging situation in December to replace Mike Leach, who died after heart complications.

“He provided the football program much needed leadership and stability during a tragic time,” Selmon said. “There is no question that he has made a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes during his time here. We are grateful for his contributions to Mississippi State and wish him the very best both personally and professionally.”

Arnett was named the Bulldogs’ 35th head football coach on Dec. 15 and led the Bulldogs to a 19-10 win over Illinois on January 2, 2023, in the ReliaQuest Bowl. The Bulldogs had a 5-6 record during Arnett’s tenure.