Mississippi State Fires Zach Arnett as Head Coach

Departure Marks End of Disappointing Season

Mississippi State University has fired first-year head coach Zach Arnett, according to 247Sports Brandon Marcello. The decision comes after a disappointing 4-8 season that saw the Bulldogs finish last in the Southeastern Conference's West Division.

Arnett's Short-Lived Tenure

Arnett, 36, was hired in December 2021 after serving as Mississippi State's defensive coordinator for three seasons. He was initially seen as a promising candidate to lead the Bulldogs to success, but the team struggled under his leadership.

Sources told 247Sports earlier this month that Arnett's firing was imminent. He is the second head coach to be fired in the SEC this season, following Auburn's Bryan Harsin.

Future of Mississippi State Football

Mississippi State will now begin a search for a new head coach. The school is reportedly interested in bringing back former coach Dan Mullen, who led the Bulldogs to seven bowl games in nine seasons.

Other potential candidates include Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., Tennessee offensive coordinator Alex Golesh, and Oklahoma State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.