Zach Arnett comments on return to Mississippi State as defensive coordinator
By Mark Kern
Published:
Zach Arnett is back in Starkville as the defensive coordinator at Mississippi State.
Arnett has plenty of history at Mississippi State. He started as the defensive coordinator in 2020 and was promoted to head coach after Mike Leach’s passing in December of 2022.
While it didn’t end well for Arnett as head coach in Starkville, he is back as the defensive coordinator for coach Jeff Lebby. Arnett commented on his return to Mississippi State via a press release on Sunday.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to Mississippi State and lead this defense,” Arnett said in a statement. “This place means a great deal to me and my family, and Starkville has always felt like home. I’m excited to get to work for Coach Lebby, support his vision and do my part in contributing to the program.”
The Bulldogs took a big step last season under Lebby, as they went 5-7 after wining only two games last season. With many of the teams across the country turning down bowl invites, Mississippi State is taking advantage of its opportunity to play in the postseason. The Bulldogs will face Wake Forest in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
The bowl game will allow Arnett to be able to take a look at what the Bulldogs have on the roster, and help the team plan for what it needs in the offseason.
