Former Mississippi State HC Zach Arnett expected to return to MSU, join Jeff Lebby’s staff
By Jacob Moss
Published:
Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby is making some changes to his staff following his second season at the helm, as it was reported on Saturday morning that defensive coordinator Coleman Hutzler will not be returning with the Bulldogs in 2026.
This comes after the Bulldogs ranked at or near the bottom of the SEC in most major defensive categories as a unit, giving up nearly 400 yards and 30 points per game in 2025.
According to CBS Sports’ John Talty, Lebby is expected to bring back a familiar face to fill the now vacant defensive coordinator role on his staff in former head coach Zach Arnett.
Arnett was Lebby’s predecessor at Mississippi State, serving as the head coach for the Bulldogs during the 2023 season following the sudden passing of Mike Leach, leading the Bulldogs to a 4-6 record in his only campaign at the helm.
Before that, he served as Leach’s defensive coordinator from 2020-2022, putting together 3 solid defensive units for the Bulldogs and helping to bring in several highly touted high schoolers on the recruiting trail.
After 2 seasons away from Starkville, Arnett now appears to be on the verge of making his return to the program in 2026 as a member of Lebby’s staff.
