Report: Mississippi State’s search continues as former SEC coach ruled out as next Bulldog coach

As Mississippi State’s coaching search continues, one more candidate has been eliminated as Joe Moorhead’s replacement, according to multiple reports.

Former Auburn coach Gene Chizik, who led the Tigers to the 2010 national championship, has reportedly removed himself from the running:

SOURCE: Former Auburn HC Gene Chizik interviewed with Miss. State for its head coaching vacancy on Saturday. The next morning Chizik removed himself as a candidate… Wouldn’t be surprised if Chizik returns to coaching, just has to be an ideal fit.

— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) January 6, 2020

Hearing that Gene Chizik is no longer a candidate in the Mississippi State head coaching search, but pretty clear that Chizik wants to return to the game.

Oddly enough, Chizik is part of the ESPN broadcast team calling the final bowl tonight that involves Billy Napier’s Cajuns.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 6, 2020

Chizik has not coached since a 3-9 campaign in 2012 that saw him fired at Auburn, and went 33-19 in his 4 seasons coaching the Tigers.

Those 4 years did include an undefeated, national championship season in 2010 with Cam Newton at quarterback. Chizik has remained in the SEC conversation in recent years, and has been an analyst on the SEC Network.

While Chizik seems to be out of the picture, Mississippi State may in fact already have its next head coach, as reports continued to swirl on Monday.

Lucas Panzica

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Lucas is a digital reporter for 104.5 The Zone in Nashville, and a high school play-by-play broadcaster. Lucas has been covering SEC football for Saturday Down South since 2018.